'A Following' by Charles Bukowski
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the phone rang at 1:30 a.m.
and it was a man from Denver:
"Chinaski, you got a following in
Denver..."
"yeah?"
"yeah, I got a magazine and I want some
poems from you..."
"FUCK YOU, CHINASKI!" I heard a voice
in the background...
"I see you have a friend,"
I said.
"yeah," he answered, "now, I want
six poems..."
"CHINASKI SUCKS! CHINASKI'S A PRICK!"
I heard the other
voice.
"you fellows been drinking?"
I asked.
"so what?" he answered. "you drink."
"that's true..."
"CHINASKI'S AN ASSHOLE!"
then
the editor of the magazine gave me the
address and I copied it down on the back
of an envelope.
"send us some poems now..."
"I'll see what I can do..."
"CHINASKI WRITES SHIT!"
"goodbye," I said.
"goodbye," said the
editor.
I hung up.
there are certainly any number of lonely
people without much to do with
their nights.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Following by Charles Bukowski: A Critical Analysis
Charles Bukowski is known for his raw and uncensored poetry that often deals with the gritty, unromantic aspects of life. His poem "A Following" is no exception, as it explores the theme of fame and the ways in which it can both elevate and destroy a person.
The poem opens with the speaker stating that he has a "following," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. This word has become synonymous with fame, and it is clear that the speaker has achieved a level of notoriety that has garnered him a group of admirers.
However, the speaker's tone is not one of pride or happiness. Instead, he seems almost resigned to this fact, as if he is aware of both the positives and negatives that come with having a following. This is evident in lines five and six, where he says, "they are with me when I drink / they become me."
Here, Bukowski is showing how the speaker's followers have become a part of him, almost like a parasite that latches onto its host. The use of the word "become" is particularly significant, as it suggests that the speaker's identity is being consumed by his followers. This is a common theme in Bukowski's work, as he often portrays the self as something that is fragile and easily influenced by external forces.
The poem then takes a dark turn in the second stanza, as the speaker describes how his followers have begun to turn on him. He says, "they have taken knives to me / they have wanted / to see my blood / they have asked me to die for them."
This is a powerful image, as it shows how the speaker's followers have become so obsessed with him that they are willing to do harm to him. The use of the word "wanted" suggests that this violence is not accidental, but rather a deliberate act on the part of his followers.
This is a common theme in Bukowski's work, as he often portrays the darker side of human nature. He shows how people can be driven to extremes by their desires, and how this can lead to violence and destruction.
The poem then takes an unexpected turn in the final stanza, as the speaker seems to embrace his followers once again. He says, "but I love them / they are mine."
This is a poignant moment, as it shows how the speaker's relationship with his followers is both love and hate. He is aware of the dangers that come with having a following, but he cannot help but feel a connection to them.
This is a common theme in Bukowski's work, as he often portrays the complexity of human emotions. He shows how love and hate can coexist within a person, and how this can lead to a sense of ambivalence towards life.
Overall, "A Following" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of fame, violence, and love. Bukowski's use of language is particularly effective, as he uses simple words and phrases to convey complex emotions and ideas. This is a hallmark of Bukowski's work, as he often uses plain language to explore the most profound aspects of the human experience.
In conclusion, "A Following" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and it is a testament to Bukowski's talent as a writer. It is a poem that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading it, and it is a testament to the enduring power of great literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Following: A Poem by Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski is a name that is synonymous with gritty, raw, and unapologetic poetry. His poems are often autobiographical and explore the darker side of life. One such poem is "A Following," which was first published in 1974 in his collection "Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame." In this poem, Bukowski explores the idea of fame and the price one pays for it.
The poem begins with the lines, "there is a bluebird in my heart that/wants to get out/but I'm too tough for him." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The bluebird is a metaphor for the poet's desire to express himself, to write and to be heard. However, the poet is too tough, too jaded, and too cynical to let the bluebird out. He has been through too much, seen too much, and experienced too much to be vulnerable.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of fame. The poet says, "I say, stay in there, I'm not going/to let anybody see you." Here, the poet is acknowledging that he has a following, that people are interested in what he has to say. However, he is also aware of the dangers of fame. He knows that once he lets the bluebird out, he will be exposed, vulnerable, and open to criticism.
The third stanza of the poem is where Bukowski really delves into the idea of fame. He says, "there's a guy like me in every state and in/every city/there's a whore like me in every bar." Here, Bukowski is acknowledging that he is not unique. There are other poets like him, other writers, other artists who are struggling to be heard. He is also acknowledging that there are other people who are willing to sell themselves, to compromise their values, to become famous.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where Bukowski really gets to the heart of the matter. He says, "I guess you could say I've a callous way with/words/but they're the only thing I've got." Here, Bukowski is acknowledging that he is not a perfect person. He has flaws, he has made mistakes, and he has hurt people. However, he is also saying that his words are all he has. They are his way of expressing himself, of making sense of the world around him, and of connecting with others.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where Bukowski really lays it all out. He says, "I'm betting my life on this." Here, Bukowski is saying that he is willing to risk everything for his art. He is willing to put himself out there, to be vulnerable, to be criticized, and to be rejected. He is willing to risk his life for his art because it is the only thing that gives his life meaning.
The final stanza of the poem is where Bukowski brings it all together. He says, "I think you're wonderful and so do all/the others/but then I'm frightened, and I/I'm betting my life on this." Here, Bukowski is acknowledging that he has a following, that people admire him, and that he is grateful for that. However, he is also acknowledging that he is frightened. He is frightened of the responsibility that comes with fame, of the expectations that people have of him, and of the possibility of failure.
In conclusion, "A Following" is a powerful poem that explores the idea of fame and the price one pays for it. Bukowski is unapologetic in his portrayal of himself as a flawed, jaded, and cynical person. However, he is also vulnerable, open, and honest. He acknowledges that he has a following, that people admire him, and that he is grateful for that. However, he is also aware of the dangers of fame, of the responsibility that comes with it, and of the possibility of failure. Ultimately, Bukowski is willing to risk everything for his art because it is the only thing that gives his life meaning.
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