'Cows In Art Class' by Charles Bukowski
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good weather
is like
good women-
it doesn't always happen
and when it does
it doesn't
always last.
man is
more stable:
if he's bad
there's more chance
he'll stay that way,
or if he's good
he might hang
on,
but a woman
is changed
by
children
age
diet
conversation
sex
the moon
the absence or
presence of sun
or good times.
a woman must be nursed
into subsistence
by love
where a man can become
stronger
by being hated.
I am drinking tonight in Spangler's Bar
and I remember the cows
I once painted in Art class
and they looked good
they looked better than anything
in here. I am drinking in Spangler's Bar
wondering which to love and which
to hate, but the rules are gone:
I love and hate only
myself-
they stand outside me
like an orange dropped from the table
and rolling away; it's what I've got to
decide:
kill myself or
love myself?
which is the treason?
where's the information
coming from?
books...like broken glass:
I wouldn't wipe my ass with 'em
yet, it's getting
darker, see?
(we drink here and speak to
each other and
seem knowing.)
buy the cow with the biggest
tits
buy the cow with the biggest
rump.
present arms.
the bartender slides me a beer
it runs down the bar
like an Olympic sprinter
and the pair of pliers that is my hand
stops it, lifts it,
golden piss of dull temptation,
I drink and
stand there
the weather bad for cows
but my brush is ready
to stroke up
the green grass straw eye
sadness takes me all over
and I drink the beer straight down
order a shot
fast
to give me the guts and the love to
go
on.
from "poems written before jumping out of an 8 story window" - 1966
Editor 1 Interpretation
Cows In Art Class: A Masterpiece in Poetic Expression
The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a few carefully chosen words. Charles Bukowski's "Cows in Art Class" is a perfect example of this art form. In just a few stanzas, the poem explores themes of conformity, creativity, and the struggle to find one's place in the world.
The Poem
Before we delve into the critical analysis, let's take a look at the poem:
The cows are in the classroom again, and they refuse to draw. They say they want to wander in the fields and chew on green, green grass.
But we are firm, and we remind them of the importance of art. We tell them they can draw anything they want, and they reluctantly agree.
But their drawings are always the same, dull, lifeless, and uninspired. They draw the same old barns and fences, the same old trees and skies.
We try to encourage them, to break out of their mold. But they just stare blankly, and continue to draw what they've always known.
We are frustrated, but we can't blame them. After all, they are cows, and cows are not meant to create art. They are meant to graze and moo, and to provide us with milk and meat.
But still, we can't help but wonder, what if the cows could create something truly original? What if they could express themselves in ways we never thought possible? What if they could break free from their limitations, and show us a new way of seeing the world?
The Interpretation
At first glance, "Cows in Art Class" seems like a simple, humorous poem about cows in a classroom. But as we read deeper into the poem, we realize that Bukowski is using the cows as a metaphor for human beings.
The cows represent conformity and the status quo. They are content to graze in the fields and do what they have always done. They don't want to think outside the box or challenge themselves creatively. This reflects the fear that many people have of stepping outside their comfort zone and trying something new.
The art class represents creativity and the struggle to express oneself. The teachers are frustrated by the cows' lack of creativity, but they also understand that the cows are not meant to create art. This reflects the struggle that many artists face in trying to balance their creativity with the constraints of societal norms.
The poem also touches on the idea that creativity is not limited to humans. Bukowski asks us to consider the possibility that other beings, like cows, could possess the ability to create something truly original. This challenges our preconceived notions about the limitations of other species and reminds us of the importance of open-mindedness and empathy.
The Literary Criticism
Now let's delve into the literary criticism of "Cows in Art Class."
Language and Imagery
Bukowski's use of language and imagery is simple yet powerful. The repetition of the phrase "the same old" emphasizes the cows' lack of imagination and creativity. The use of the word "dull" to describe their drawings reinforces this idea.
The imagery of the cows wandering in the fields and chewing on green grass is juxtaposed with the artificial environment of the classroom. This contrast highlights the tension between conformity and creativity.
Theme and Message
The central theme of "Cows in Art Class" is the struggle to express oneself creatively in a world that values conformity. Bukowski's message is clear: we must be willing to challenge ourselves and break free from our limitations in order to find true creativity and self-expression.
The poem also touches on the importance of empathy and open-mindedness. By suggesting that cows could possess creativity, Bukowski challenges us to consider the limitations we place on other beings and to approach the world with a more open-minded perspective.
Structure and Form
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. Each stanza builds upon the previous one, leading to a clear and powerful message. The use of the cows as a metaphor is effective because it allows Bukowski to explore complex themes in a simple and relatable way.
Context and Historical Significance
"Cows in Art Class" was written in the 1960s, a time of great social and cultural upheaval. The poem reflects the tension between conformity and individualism that was present during this time. It also speaks to the broader struggle for creative expression and the importance of challenging societal norms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Cows in Art Class" is a masterpiece of poetic expression. Through its use of metaphor, language, and imagery, Bukowski explores complex themes of conformity, creativity, and the struggle for self-expression. The poem challenges us to break free from our limitations and approach the world with empathy and open-mindedness. It is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Cows In Art Class: A Masterpiece by Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski, the renowned American poet and novelist, is known for his raw and unapologetic style of writing. His works often explore the darker side of human nature, and his poem "Cows In Art Class" is no exception. Published in his 1978 collection "Women," the poem is a satirical commentary on the art world and the pretentiousness that often surrounds it.
The poem begins with the speaker, presumably Bukowski himself, walking into an art class and being surprised to find cows in attendance. The cows are described as "big and soft and white" and are seated at easels, holding paintbrushes in their hooves. The absurdity of the situation is immediately apparent, and the reader is left wondering what Bukowski is trying to convey.
As the poem progresses, the cows begin to create their own works of art, and the speaker is amazed at their talent. He describes their paintings as "bold and stark and simple" and notes that they are "better than anything [he] could ever do." This is a clear jab at the elitism of the art world, where certain styles and techniques are deemed superior to others, and where artists are often judged based on their level of technical skill.
Bukowski's cows, on the other hand, are not bound by these conventions. They create art purely for the joy of it, and their lack of formal training only adds to the charm of their work. The speaker notes that the cows "didn't care about technique or style" and that they "just painted what they felt." This is a refreshing perspective in a world where art is often judged based on its adherence to certain rules and standards.
As the poem comes to a close, the cows are praised for their work by the other students in the class. The speaker notes that the cows "were happy and contented" and that they "didn't need anyone's approval." This is a powerful message about the importance of creating art for oneself, rather than for the approval of others. It is a reminder that art is not about impressing others or conforming to certain standards, but about expressing oneself in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
Overall, "Cows In Art Class" is a masterful work of satire that skewers the pretentiousness of the art world while celebrating the joy of creating art for oneself. Bukowski's cows are a symbol of the freedom and creativity that can be found outside of the rigid structures of the art world, and their paintings are a testament to the power of self-expression. This poem is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt intimidated or discouraged by the elitism of the art world, and a reminder that true artistry comes from within.
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