'As The Sparrow' by Charles Bukowski
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To give life you must take life,
and as our grief falls flat and hollow
upon the billion-blooded sea
I pass upon serious inward-breaking shoals rimmed
with white-legged, white-bellied rotting creatures
lengthily dead and rioting against surrounding scenes.
Dear child, I only did to you what the sparrow
did to you; I am old when it is fashionable to be
young; I cry when it is fashionable to laugh.
I hated you when it would have taken less courage
to love.
Editor 1 Interpretation
As the Sparrow by Charles Bukowski: A Literary Analysis
As the Sparrow is a poem that speaks to the human condition of loneliness and the search for connection. Written by American poet and novelist Charles Bukowski, the poem is a heartfelt reflection on the struggles of life and the search for meaning in our existence.
Background
Charles Bukowski was born in Germany in 1920 and later immigrated to the United States with his family. He is known for his raw and honest writing style, often tackling themes such as poverty, alcoholism, and relationships. Bukowski was a prolific writer, publishing over 45 books of poetry and prose in his lifetime, and has been recognized as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.
Analysis
As the Sparrow begins with a simple yet powerful image of a sparrow alone on a wire. This image immediately sets the tone for the poem, evoking a sense of loneliness and isolation. The bird is described as "alone and forgotten" which suggests that it may have been abandoned or left behind by its flock.
The second stanza shifts the focus to the speaker, who is also feeling lonely and disconnected from the world. The phrase "like a drunk in a midnight choir" is a vivid simile that captures the feeling of being out of place and disconnected from others. The speaker is searching for something, but is unsure of what it is or how to find it.
The third stanza brings the two images together, as the speaker sees the sparrow as a kindred spirit. The bird is "like me, he's just looking for somewhere to go" and the two are linked in their shared search for connection and purpose. This connection is further emphasized in the final stanza, where the speaker imagines the sparrow flying "up into the clouds, beyond the city" and finding a place where it belongs.
The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, with four stanzas of equal length. The repetition of the phrase "alone and forgotten" in the first and second stanzas creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the theme of loneliness. The use of simile and metaphor throughout the poem also adds depth and complexity, allowing the reader to engage with the poem on multiple levels.
Interpretation
As the Sparrow can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on the reader's own experiences and worldview. At its core, the poem speaks to the universal human desire for connection and belonging. The sparrow and the speaker are both searching for something, whether it is a physical place or an emotional connection with others.
The image of the sparrow alone on a wire can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition, where we are all alone in the world and struggling to find our place in it. The bird's flight into the clouds represents the possibility of transcendence, of finding a higher purpose or a sense of belonging beyond the confines of our physical existence.
The poem can also be read as a commentary on modern society, where people are increasingly disconnected from each other despite the proliferation of technology and social media. The image of the sparrow on a wire suggests that even in the midst of a busy city, we can still feel alone and forgotten.
Conclusion
As the Sparrow is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the human condition of loneliness and the search for connection. The simplicity of the imagery and language belies the complexity of the underlying themes and ideas, making it a poem that can be read and interpreted in a number of ways.
Bukowski's raw and honest style shines through in this poem, as he captures the essence of the human experience in just a few short stanzas. As the Sparrow is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
As The Sparrow: A Poem of Life and Death
Charles Bukowski, the renowned American poet, novelist, and short story writer, is known for his raw and unapologetic style of writing. His works often explore the darker side of human nature, and his poem "As The Sparrow" is no exception. This classic poem, written in 1967, is a powerful meditation on the themes of life and death, and the fleeting nature of existence.
The poem begins with the image of a sparrow, a small and fragile bird that is often associated with vulnerability and fragility. Bukowski writes, "the sparrow in the tree / doesn't know / the sorrow of man / since he has no history." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Bukowski contrasts the simplicity and innocence of the sparrow with the complexities and struggles of human life.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of mortality, as Bukowski writes, "if man could only be what the sparrow is / he'd be happier." This line suggests that the sparrow, with its lack of awareness of its own mortality, is able to live a simpler and more contented life than humans, who are burdened by the knowledge of their own eventual death.
The third stanza of the poem takes a darker turn, as Bukowski writes, "but man has the mind and the power of death / which sets him above the birds." This line suggests that while humans may envy the carefree existence of the sparrow, they are ultimately defined by their ability to control and manipulate the world around them, including the power to take life.
The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the image of the sparrow, as Bukowski writes, "sometimes I think that man is like the sparrow / unaware of his own impending death." This line suggests that despite our knowledge of our own mortality, humans often live as if death is something that happens to other people, rather than something that will eventually happen to us all.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings the themes of life and death together, as Bukowski writes, "but unlike the sparrow / man has a soul / which lives beyond death." This line suggests that while the sparrow may live a simpler and more carefree existence than humans, humans have the capacity for spiritual and emotional depth that transcends the physical world.
Overall, "As The Sparrow" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of life and death, mortality, and the human condition. Bukowski's use of the sparrow as a symbol for innocence and vulnerability, and his contrast of the sparrow's carefree existence with the complexities and struggles of human life, creates a powerful and evocative image that lingers long after the poem has ended.
In addition to its themes, "As The Sparrow" is also notable for its use of language and imagery. Bukowski's spare and direct style of writing, combined with his use of simple and evocative images, creates a poem that is both accessible and deeply moving. The image of the sparrow, in particular, is a powerful and enduring symbol that captures the essence of the poem's themes in a single image.
In conclusion, "As The Sparrow" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of the themes of life and death, mortality, and the human condition, combined with its spare and evocative language and imagery, make it a powerful and enduring work of literature. Whether read as a meditation on the fleeting nature of existence, or as a celebration of the human spirit, "As The Sparrow" remains a timeless and unforgettable poem.
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