'To The Whore Who Took My Poems' by Charles Bukowski
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some say we should keep personal remorse from the
poem,
stay abstract, and there is some reason in this,
but jezus;
twelve poems gone and I don't keep carbons and you have
my
paintings too, my best ones; its stifling:
are you trying to crush me out like the rest of them?
why didn't you take my money? they usually do
from the sleeping drunken pants sick in the corner.
next time take my left arm or a fifty
but not my poems:
I'm not Shakespeare
but sometime simply
there won't be any more, abstract or otherwise;
there'll always be mony and whores and drunkards
down to the last bomb,
but as God said,
crossing his legs,
I see where I have made plenty of poets
but not so very much
poetry.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To The Whore Who Took My Poems: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Charles Bukowski's poem, "To The Whore Who Took My Poems," is a powerful and hard-hitting piece of literature that has caused quite a stir in the literary world. The poem was first published in 1972 and it speaks to the theme of betrayal, which is a common theme in Bukowski's writing. This essay aims to provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of "To The Whore Who Took My Poems," while examining the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices.
Structure
The structure of "To The Whore Who Took My Poems" is quite simplistic, consisting of four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in free verse and there is no consistent rhyme scheme. The simplicity of the structure allows the poem to pack a punch, as each line is weighted with meaning and emotion.
Themes
The central theme of "To The Whore Who Took My Poems" is betrayal. Bukowski feels that his work has been stolen from him by someone he trusted, and this betrayal has left him feeling violated and powerless. The speaker's anger and frustration are palpable in the lines, as he rails against the whore who has taken his poems.
Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of ownership. Bukowski sees his poems as his property, and he feels that the whore has stolen something that belongs to him. This ownership is tied to the idea of creative expression, and the speaker feels that his creativity has been taken away from him by the whore's actions.
The poem also touches on the theme of identity, as the speaker questions who he is without his poems. Bukowski sees his poetry as a crucial part of his identity, and he feels that the whore has taken that away from him. This theme is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the idea that our creative output can be tied to our sense of self.
Literary Devices
Bukowski employs a number of literary devices in "To The Whore Who Took My Poems" to create a powerful and evocative poem. The most prominent device is imagery, as the speaker uses vivid and violent imagery to convey his emotions. For example, he describes the whore as a "blacksnake," a "rat," and a "thief." These images are powerful and emotive, allowing the reader to feel the speaker's anger and betrayal.
Another literary device that is used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "you'll regret it" is repeated throughout the poem, adding to the sense of frustration and anger that the speaker is feeling. This repetition also creates a sense of urgency, as the speaker is imploring the whore to return his work before it's too late.
Bukowski also uses metaphor in the poem, comparing his poems to his "children." This metaphor is particularly powerful, as it speaks to the idea that our creative output can be deeply personal and meaningful.
Interpretation
"To The Whore Who Took My Poems" is a deeply personal and emotive poem that speaks to the themes of betrayal, ownership, and identity. Bukowski's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphor creates a powerful and evocative poem that is both raw and emotional.
The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the creative process, and the importance of creative ownership. Bukowski sees his poetry as a part of himself, and the theft of his work is seen as a violation of his person. This interpretation speaks to the idea that creative output can be deeply personal and meaningful, and that it is important to protect our creative work from those who would seek to steal it.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it speaks to the power dynamics between men and women. The whore in the poem is seen as a symbol of female power, and the speaker's anger is directed towards her as he feels that she has taken something that belongs to him. This interpretation speaks to the idea that women can be seen as a threat to male power and dominance, and that creative ownership can be tied to notions of masculinity.
Conclusion
"To The Whore Who Took My Poems" is a powerful and emotive poem that speaks to the themes of betrayal, ownership, and identity. Bukowski's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphor create a raw and emotional poem that is both personal and political. The simplicity of the structure allows the poem to pack a punch, as each line is weighted with meaning and emotion. Overall, "To The Whore Who Took My Poems" is a poignant and thought-provoking piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To The Whore Who Took My Poems: A Masterpiece of Bukowski's Brutal Honesty
Charles Bukowski, the American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw and unapologetic style of writing. His works often revolve around the themes of alcoholism, poverty, and the gritty reality of life. One of his most famous poems, To The Whore Who Took My Poems, is a prime example of his brutal honesty and unfiltered expression.
The poem, written in 1971, is a scathing attack on a woman who Bukowski claims stole his poems. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem:
"some say we should keep personal remorse from the poem, stay abstract, and there is some reason in this, but jezus; twelve poems gone and I don't keep carbons and you have my paintings too, my best ones;"
Bukowski immediately establishes a sense of anger and frustration, using the exclamation "jezus" to emphasize his point. He then goes on to reveal that not only did the woman take his poems, but she also took his paintings. This adds another layer of betrayal to the situation, making it even more personal.
The poem continues with Bukowski's brutal honesty, as he describes the woman in unflattering terms:
"you bastard, I hope you're reading this poem, smiling, and I hope your pussy is getting very wet right now,"
These lines are shocking and offensive, but they also reveal Bukowski's true feelings towards the woman. He is angry and hurt, and he wants her to know it. The use of profanity and sexual language adds to the intensity of the poem, making it clear that Bukowski is not holding back.
As the poem progresses, Bukowski becomes more and more desperate in his attempts to get his poems back:
"you can't have my thoughts though, they belong to me, my own, dear, and only, but-- everything else is yours."
This is a powerful statement, as Bukowski is essentially saying that his thoughts and ideas are the only thing that truly belong to him. Everything else, including his poems and paintings, can be taken away. This shows just how important writing is to Bukowski, and how devastating it is to have his work stolen.
The poem ends with Bukowski's final plea to the woman:
"please accept these poems and paintings, for although you've stolen them they're nothing compared to the love I had for you."
This final line is heartbreaking, as Bukowski reveals that he had feelings for the woman who betrayed him. It adds a layer of complexity to the poem, showing that Bukowski is not just angry, but also deeply hurt.
Overall, To The Whore Who Took My Poems is a masterpiece of Bukowski's brutal honesty and unfiltered expression. It is a raw and emotional poem that captures the pain of having one's work stolen. While the language and subject matter may be offensive to some, it is a powerful example of the importance of writing and the devastating impact of betrayal.
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