'Like A Flower In The Rain' by Charles Bukowski


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I cut the middle fingernail of the middle

finger

right hand

real short

and I began rubbing along her cunt

as she sat upright in bed

spreading lotion over her arms

face

and breasts

after bathing.

then she lit a cigarette:

"don't let this put you off,"

an smoked and continued to rub

the lotion on.

I continued to rub the cunt.

"You want an apple?" I asked.

"sure, she said, "you got one?"

but I got to her-

she began to twist

then she rolled on her side,

she was getting wet and open

like a flower in the rain.

then she rolled on her stomach

and her most beautiful ass

looked up at me

and I reached under and got the

cunt again.

she reached around and got my

cock, she rolled and twisted,

I mounted

my face falling into the mass

of red hair that overflowed

from her head

and my flattened cock entered

into the miracle.

later we joked about the lotion

and the cigarette and the apple.

then I went out and got some chicken

and shrimp and french fries and buns

and mashed potatoes and gravy and

cole slaw,and we ate.she told me

how good she felt and I told her

how good I felt and we

ate the chicken and the shrimp and the

french fries and the buns and the

mashed potatoes and the gravy and

the cole slaw too.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

Charles Bukowski is regarded as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, known for his raw and unapologetic style that captures the grit and reality of life. One of his most poignant works is the poem "Like A Flower In The Rain," a powerful commentary on the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of happiness. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

Analysis

Theme

At its core, "Like A Flower In The Rain" is a meditation on the transience of life. Bukowski explores the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of death, using the metaphor of a flower that blooms briefly before withering away. The poem suggests that life is fragile and fleeting, and that we should cherish every moment we have, even if it is only brief.

Imagery

Bukowski uses vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem to convey his message. In the opening lines, he describes the flower as "drenched in rain," a powerful image that suggests both the beauty and fragility of life. The rain, which is often associated with renewal and growth, is also a reminder that life is not always easy, and that we must weather difficult times in order to thrive.

Later in the poem, Bukowski describes the flower as "a splash of color against the gray," a striking image that suggests the beauty and vitality of life in the face of death and decay. This image is particularly powerful because it captures the essence of Bukowski's message - that even in the midst of darkness and despair, there is still beauty to be found.

Symbolism

The flower in "Like A Flower In The Rain" is a powerful symbol that represents the fragility of life. Like the flower, we are born, we bloom briefly, and then we wither away. The rain, which represents both renewal and hardship, is also a symbolic reminder that life is not always easy, and that we must weather difficult times in order to grow and thrive.

The grayness of the sky and the city, which Bukowski mentions repeatedly throughout the poem, is a symbol of the cold and harsh realities of life. It is a reminder that even in the midst of beauty, there is always darkness lurking around the corner.

Tone

Bukowski's tone in "Like A Flower In The Rain" is melancholic and reflective. He speaks of life with a sense of nostalgia and regret, as if he is looking back on his own life and realizing the fleeting nature of it all. This tone is particularly powerful because it captures the essence of the poem - that life is short and precious, and that we should cherish every moment we have.

Structure

The poem is structured in free verse, with no rhyme or meter. This structure allows Bukowski to express himself freely, without the constraints of traditional poetic forms. The lack of structure also adds to the sense of impermanence and uncertainty that permeates the poem.

The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza describing the flower in detail, and the second stanza reflecting on the broader themes of life and death. This structure allows Bukowski to focus on the beauty of the flower, before expanding his message to encompass the larger picture of life.

Language

Bukowski's language in "Like A Flower In The Rain" is simple and direct, with no extraneous words or flowery language. This simplicity allows his message to shine through clearly, without any distractions.

The use of repetition, particularly of the phrase "like a flower in the rain," is a powerful rhetorical device that emphasizes the transience of life. The repetition also adds to the sense of melancholy and nostalgia that permeates the poem.

Interpreting the Poem

"Like A Flower In The Rain" is a powerful and poignant poem that speaks to the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have. Bukowski's use of vivid imagery and powerful symbolism creates a sense of melancholy and reflection, reminding us that life is short and precious, and that we should make the most of every moment we have.

The poem is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of darkness and despair, there is still beauty to be found. The flower, which blooms briefly before withering away, is a symbol of hope and renewal, a reminder that even in the midst of death and decay, life can still be beautiful.

Conclusion

"Like A Flower In The Rain" is a powerful and poignant poem that captures the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of happiness. Bukowski's use of vivid imagery and powerful symbolism creates a sense of melancholy and reflection, reminding us that life is short and precious, and that we should cherish every moment we have. This is a poem that speaks to the human condition, and reminds us that even in the midst of darkness and despair, there is still beauty to be found.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Like A Flower In The Rain: A Poem That Celebrates Life's Beauty

Charles Bukowski, the renowned American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw and unfiltered writing style that often explores the darker aspects of life. However, in his poem "Like A Flower In The Rain," Bukowski takes a different approach and celebrates the beauty of life, even in the midst of its hardships.

The poem begins with the speaker observing a flower in the rain, and marveling at its resilience and ability to thrive despite the harsh conditions. The flower becomes a metaphor for life itself, and the speaker reflects on the struggles and challenges that we all face, but ultimately concludes that life is worth living and celebrating.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct theme and message. In the first stanza, the speaker describes the flower in the rain, and how it stands tall and proud despite the adversity it faces. The flower is a symbol of resilience and strength, and the speaker marvels at its ability to survive and even thrive in the face of hardship.

The second stanza shifts the focus to the speaker's own life, and the struggles and challenges that they have faced. The speaker reflects on the times when they felt like giving up, but ultimately persevered and found a way to keep going. The message here is one of resilience and determination, and the idea that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker returns to the image of the flower in the rain. This time, however, the speaker sees the flower not just as a symbol of resilience, but as a symbol of beauty and joy. The rain, which was once seen as a harsh and unforgiving force, is now seen as a source of nourishment and growth. The message here is one of hope and optimism, and the idea that even in the midst of hardship, there is always beauty to be found.

One of the most striking aspects of "Like A Flower In The Rain" is its use of imagery. Bukowski's descriptions of the flower in the rain are vivid and evocative, and the reader can almost feel the raindrops falling on their own skin. The use of imagery helps to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the reader into the poem and making them feel as though they are experiencing the same things as the speaker.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "like a flower in the rain" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and reinforcing the central metaphor. The repetition also helps to create a sense of rhythm and musicality, making the poem feel almost like a song.

Overall, "Like A Flower In The Rain" is a powerful and uplifting poem that celebrates the beauty and resilience of life. Bukowski's use of vivid imagery and repetition helps to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the reader into the poem and making them feel as though they are experiencing the same things as the speaker. The message of the poem is one of hope and optimism, and the idea that even in the darkest moments, there is always beauty to be found.

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