'These Things' by Charles Bukowski
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these things that we support most well
have nothing to do with up,
and we do with them
out of boredom or fear or money
or cracked intelligence;
our circle and our candle of light
being small,
so small we cannot bear it,
we heave out with Idea
and lose the Center:
all wax without the wick,
and we see names that once meant
wisdom,
like signs into ghost towns,
and only the graves are real.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
These Things by Charles Bukowski: A Literary Critique and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that spoke to you on a deep, visceral level? One that caused you to pause, reflect, and question your own beliefs and experiences? For many readers, Charles Bukowski's "These Things" is just such a poem. With its raw, unapologetic language and brutally honest portrayal of life's struggles and joys, this classic work speaks directly to the human experience in a way that few other poems can. In this literary critique and interpretation, we'll delve deep into the heart of "These Things," exploring its themes, symbols, and imagery to uncover the profound truths that lie at its core.
Background and Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's worth taking a moment to consider the life and work of its author, Charles Bukowski. Born in Germany in 1920, Bukowski relocated to the United States with his family at the age of three. Throughout his life, he struggled with poverty, alcoholism, and a host of other personal demons, and these struggles are reflected in much of his writing. Bukowski's work is marked by a raw, visceral quality that has earned him a reputation as one of the most honest and unflinching writers of his generation.
"These Things" was first published in Bukowski's 1972 collection, "Love is a Dog From Hell." Like much of Bukowski's work, the poem is concerned with themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems devoid of it. Let's take a closer look at the poem itself to see how Bukowski explores these themes.
Analysis
Stanza 1
The poem begins with a simple, declarative statement: "these things." It's a phrase that is both vague and specific at the same time, inviting the reader to wonder what exactly Bukowski is referring to. The next line provides a bit more context: "these things we do." Now we know that the poem is concerned with human action and behavior, but again, the specifics are left up to the reader's imagination.
As the stanza continues, Bukowski provides some examples of the "things we do." These include "that we may be the better for them." Here, Bukowski seems to be suggesting that many of the actions we take in life are done with the hope of improving ourselves in some way. But he also acknowledges that sometimes our actions have unintended consequences: "and if not, / then we are at least the same." In other words, even if our efforts to better ourselves don't pan out, we are still fundamentally the same people we were before.
Stanza 2
The second stanza of the poem introduces a new metaphor: "we are animals / seeking love." This image of humans as animals is one that Bukowski returns to frequently in his writing, and it's a powerful one. By likening us to animals, Bukowski is highlighting the primal, instinctual nature of our desires and behaviors. And by suggesting that we are "seeking love," he is acknowledging the deep-seated human need for connection and belonging.
But as the stanza continues, Bukowski acknowledges that this search for love is not always successful: "surrounded by hate / that we might learn the value of love." Again, Bukowski is highlighting a common theme in his writing: the idea that sometimes it is only through experiencing pain and suffering that we are able to truly appreciate the good things in life. By juxtaposing hate and love in this way, Bukowski is suggesting that the two are intimately connected; we cannot fully understand one without experiencing the other.
Stanza 3
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most bleak and despairing. Here, Bukowski paints a picture of a world in which "the cold winds blow / and cruel ghosts moan." The language here is stark and haunting, and it's difficult not to feel a sense of despair and hopelessness as you read it.
But even in the midst of this darkness, Bukowski finds a glimmer of hope: "we are not alone." This simple statement is perhaps the most powerful in the entire poem, suggesting that even in our darkest moments, we are all connected by our shared humanity. It's a reminder that even when things seem unbearable, there are others out there who have experienced similar struggles and who understand what we are going through.
Stanza 4
The final stanza of the poem returns to the idea of "these things we do," but with a slightly different spin. Here, Bukowski suggests that the things we do are not just for our own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well: "and in the end / what will we have given?" This is a powerful question, one that forces us to consider the legacy we will leave behind when we are gone. How will we be remembered? What impact will we have had on the world around us?
The stanza ends with a simple but poignant statement: "only a basket of kisses / to be distributed / before we disappear." This image of a basket of kisses is a beautiful one, suggesting that even in the face of death and loss, there is still love and kindness to be shared. It's a reminder that even the smallest gestures can have a profound impact on those around us.
Interpretation
So what does "These Things" ultimately mean? As with many of Bukowski's poems, the answer is not a simple one. But at its core, this poem is about the human experience: the struggles and joys we all face as we try to navigate our way through life. It's about the search for meaning and purpose in a world that often seems chaotic and meaningless.
But it's also about the power of connection and love. Bukowski reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone. We are all connected by our shared humanity, and it's this connection that gives our lives meaning and purpose. And even when we are gone, we still have the power to leave behind a legacy of kindness and love, if only we are willing to take the time to share it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "These Things" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks directly to the human experience. It's a reminder that even in the face of struggle and despair, there is still love and connection to be found. By exploring the themes of loneliness, despair, and the search for meaning, Bukowski has created a work that resonates with readers on a deep, emotional level. And by reminding us of the power of small gestures and acts of kindness, he has given us a blueprint for how we can make a positive impact on the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
These Things: A Poem of Life's Mundanity and Beauty
Charles Bukowski, the American poet and novelist, is known for his raw and gritty writing style that often explores the darker aspects of life. However, in his poem "These Things," Bukowski takes a different approach, offering a glimpse into the beauty and mundanity of everyday life. Through vivid imagery and a simple yet powerful structure, Bukowski reminds us to appreciate the small things that make life worth living.
The poem begins with the line "these things," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Bukowski is not interested in grandiose ideas or abstract concepts; he is focused on the tangible, everyday objects and experiences that we often take for granted. He then proceeds to list a series of these things, starting with "the marigolds again" and ending with "the night air." Each item on the list is described in detail, with Bukowski using sensory language to bring them to life.
The marigolds are "bright orange" and "smell like nothing else in the world." The "old typewriter" is "heavy and solid" and "makes a sound like a hammer hitting a nail." The "black telephone" is "cool to the touch" and "rings like a church bell." These descriptions not only paint a vivid picture of each object but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. We can all relate to the feeling of touching a cool telephone receiver or smelling the distinct scent of marigolds.
As the poem progresses, Bukowski begins to shift his focus from objects to experiences. He describes "the way the sun hits the buildings" and "the way the water tastes when you wake up in the morning." These are not physical objects but rather sensations that we experience in our daily lives. Bukowski is reminding us to pay attention to these moments, to savor them and appreciate them for what they are.
The poem then takes a darker turn as Bukowski acknowledges the inevitability of death. He writes, "and I wonder how many of them will be alive a hundred years from now." This line is a stark reminder of our mortality and the fleeting nature of life. However, Bukowski does not dwell on this thought for long. He quickly shifts back to the present moment, describing "the way the light falls through the window" and "the way the cat curls up on your lap." These small moments of beauty and comfort are what make life worth living, even in the face of death.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Bukowski writes, "these things / these things / these things." By repeating the phrase three times, he emphasizes the importance of these small moments in our lives. They may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they are what make life worth living. Bukowski ends the poem with the line "now stop and breathe," a simple yet profound reminder to slow down and appreciate the world around us.
In terms of structure, "These Things" is a simple poem. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The repetition of "these things" throughout the poem creates a sense of rhythm and unity. The poem flows smoothly from one stanza to the next, with each item on the list building upon the last. The simplicity of the structure allows the focus to remain on the objects and experiences themselves, rather than on the poem's form.
Overall, "These Things" is a beautiful and poignant reminder to appreciate the small moments in life. Bukowski's use of vivid imagery and sensory language brings these moments to life, reminding us of their beauty and significance. The poem is a celebration of the mundanity of everyday life, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there is still beauty to be found. So take a moment to stop and breathe, and appreciate the world around you. These things are what make life worth living.
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