'Here I Am ...' by Charles Bukowski
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drunk again at 3 a.m. at the end of my 2nd bottle
of wine, I have typed from a dozen to 15 pages of
poesy
an old man
maddened for the flesh of young girls in this
dwindling twilight
liver gone
kidneys going
pancrea pooped
top-floor blood pressure
while all the fear of the wasted years
laughs between my toes
no woman will live with me
no Florence Nightingale to watch the
Johnny Carson show with
if I have a stroke I will lay here for six
days, my three cats hungrily ripping the flesh
from my elbows, wrists, head
the radio playing classical music ...
I promised myself never to write old man poems
but this one's funny, you see, excusable, be-
cause I've long gone past using myself and there's
still more left
here at 3 a.m. I am going to take this sheet from
the typer
pour another glass and
insert
make love to the fresh new whiteness
maybe get lucky
again
first for
me
later
for you.
from "All's Normal Here" - 1985
Editor 1 Interpretation
Here I Am: A Critique of Charles Bukowski's Poem
Charles Bukowski, the American poet and novelist, is known for his gritty, raw and unapologetic writing. He writes about the realities of life, often portraying the darker, seedier side of society. Here I Am is a poem that captures the essence of Bukowski's writing style. In this critique, we will explore the meaning behind the poem, its themes, and its relevance in today's society.
Analysis of the Poem
Here I Am is a short poem that consists of only six lines. However, despite its brevity, the poem packs a punch. It is a reflection on life, mortality, and the human experience. The poem begins with the words, "I am 35 years old and it feels like/ it's all over." These words set the tone for the rest of the poem. Bukowski is reflecting on his life and how he feels that it has come to an end. He is feeling the weight of mortality on his shoulders.
The next line of the poem is, "And I take out this typewriter." This line is significant because it shows Bukowski's desire to write. Writing is his way of coping with the feelings of despair and mortality that he is feeling. He is using his craft to make sense of his life and the world around him.
The third line of the poem is, "And I think." This line is crucial because it shows that Bukowski is not only writing but also reflecting on his life. He is trying to make sense of his experiences and the world around him.
The fourth line of the poem is, "This is where the birds sing." This line is significant because it portrays the beauty of the world. Despite Bukowski's feelings of despair and mortality, he is still able to appreciate the beauty of nature. The birds singing represent hope and the possibility of renewal.
The fifth line of the poem is, "This is where the stars shine." This line is also significant because it represents the beauty of the night sky. The stars shining represent the infinite possibilities that life has to offer.
The poem ends with the line, "Here I am." This line is Bukowski's way of acknowledging his existence. He is here, in this world, and he is alive. His acknowledgment of his existence is a reminder that he still has a purpose in life, and he still has something to contribute to society.
Themes of the Poem
The poem Here I Am explores several themes, including the human experience, mortality, and the beauty of nature. Bukowski's reflection on his life and mortality is a reminder that we are all mortal beings. We will all face death at some point, and it is up to us to make the most of the time that we have.
The poem also explores the beauty of nature. Despite the darkness that Bukowski is feeling, he is still able to appreciate the beauty of the world around him. The birds singing and the stars shining represent hope and the possibility of renewal.
Finally, the poem explores the human experience. Bukowski's desire to write and reflect on his life is a reminder that we all have a purpose in life. We all have something to contribute to society, and it is up to us to find that purpose and pursue it.
Relevance in Today's Society
The poem Here I Am is still relevant in today's society. In a world where we are constantly bombarded by negativity and despair, it is easy to forget the beauty of the world around us. Bukowski's poem is a reminder that despite the hardships that we may face in life, there is still beauty to be found.
The poem is also relevant in today's society because it encourages us to reflect on our lives and our purpose. In a world where many people feel lost and without direction, Bukowski's poem is a reminder that we all have a purpose in life. It is up to us to find that purpose and pursue it.
Conclusion
Here I Am is a poignant reflection on life, mortality, and the human experience. Bukowski's raw and unapologetic writing style is on full display in this short but powerful poem. The poem is a reminder that despite the darkness that we may face, there is still beauty to be found in the world around us. It is up to us to find that beauty and appreciate it. The poem is still relevant in today's society, and its message is one that we should all take to heart.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Here I Am ... by Charles Bukowski is a classic poem that captures the essence of the author's life and work. Bukowski, known for his gritty and raw writing style, was a prolific writer who wrote about his experiences as a working-class man in America. In this poem, Bukowski reflects on his life and his place in the world, and the result is a powerful and moving piece of literature.
The poem begins with the line "here I am," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Bukowski is announcing his presence, his existence, and his place in the world. He is not apologizing for who he is or what he has done, but rather asserting himself and his right to be here. This is a common theme in Bukowski's work, as he often writes about the struggles of the working-class and the marginalized.
The next line, "in the dark," adds a layer of complexity to the poem. Bukowski is not just announcing his presence, but he is doing so in a place of darkness. This darkness could be interpreted in many ways, but it likely represents the struggles and hardships that Bukowski has faced in his life. He is not just here, but he is here in the face of adversity.
The third line, "and I stand," further emphasizes Bukowski's assertion of his presence. He is not just here, but he is standing tall and proud. This line also hints at the idea of perseverance, as Bukowski has stood through the darkness and has come out on the other side.
The next few lines of the poem are a bit more abstract, but they still convey a powerful message. Bukowski writes, "here I am / with my face / in the dirt / feet / in the clouds." This imagery is striking, as it juxtaposes the idea of being grounded with the idea of being free. Bukowski is acknowledging the struggles and hardships he has faced, but he is also looking up towards something greater. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for hope, as Bukowski is looking towards a brighter future despite his current circumstances.
The next line, "a silver lining / in the black / and blue," further emphasizes this idea of hope. Bukowski is acknowledging that there is a silver lining, a glimmer of hope, even in the darkest of times. This is a common theme in his work, as he often writes about the struggles of the working-class and the marginalized, but he also writes about the resilience and perseverance of these people.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. Bukowski writes, "here I am / still alive / still kicking / still / writing." This is a triumphant declaration, as Bukowski is announcing that he is still here, still alive, and still doing what he loves. Despite the struggles and hardships he has faced, Bukowski has not given up. He is still writing, still creating, still living.
Overall, Here I Am ... is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of Charles Bukowski's work. It is a declaration of his presence, his perseverance, and his resilience. Bukowski's writing style is raw and gritty, but it is also filled with hope and a sense of triumph. This poem is a testament to the human spirit and the power of perseverance, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope.
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