'Consummation Of Grief' by Charles Bukowski

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I even hear the mountains

the way they laugh

up and down their blue sides

and down in the water

the fish cry

and the water

is their tears.

I listen to the water

on nights I drink away

and the sadness becomes so great

I hear it in my clock

it becomes knobs upon my dresser

it becomes paper on the floor

it becomes a shoehorn

a laundry ticket

it becomes

cigarette smoke

climbing a chapel of dark vines. . .

it matters little

very little love is not so bad

or very little life

what counts

is waiting on walls

I was born for this

I was born to hustle roses down the avenues of the dead.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Consummation Of Grief: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poem that can stir your emotions and make you ponder about life's inevitable sufferings? Then, Consummation Of Grief by Charles Bukowski is a must-read.

Published in 1983, the poem is a haunting reflection on grief, loss, and the human condition. It's a beautiful masterpiece that captures Bukowski's raw and unfiltered emotions towards death, and how it affects us all. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve deeper into the poem's themes, literary devices, and overall impact.

Theme: Grief, Loss, and the Human Condition

The central theme of Consummation Of Grief is grief, loss, and the human condition. Bukowski explores the idea that death is an inevitable part of life, and we all have to face it at some point. He expresses his anguish at the loss of a loved one, and how it leaves a void that can never be filled.

The poem also touches on the idea that grief is a universal experience that connects us all. Bukowski writes, "we are all alone here and alone we die." This line encapsulates the idea that regardless of our backgrounds, beliefs, or values, death is the one thing that unites us all.

Moreover, the poem portrays the human condition as one that's full of suffering and pain. Bukowski writes, "the flesh covers the bone and they put a mind in there and sometimes a soul." This line reflects the idea that our physical bodies are nothing but vessels that house our minds and souls. It's a reminder that we're all vulnerable and mortal.

Literary Devices: Imagery, Metaphors, and Symbolism

Bukowski's use of literary devices in Consummation Of Grief is nothing short of masterful. His words evoke vivid images and emotions that leave a lasting impact on the reader. Here are some of the literary devices that Bukowski employs in the poem:

Imagery

Imagery is a literary device that uses vivid descriptions to create mental pictures in the reader's mind. Bukowski's use of imagery in Consummation Of Grief is powerful and evocative. He paints a poignant and melancholic picture of death and loss that's hard to forget.

For example, he writes, "the dead go on before us, / they are sitting in God's house / in comfort, / we stop for a while in a / phrase, / float / father, / dead dog, / mountains / buried in the sky, / the trumpets that we do not blow." This description of death and the afterlife is both beautiful and haunting. It's an image that stays with the reader long after the poem ends.

Metaphors

Metaphors are a literary device that compares one thing to another to create a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the subject. Bukowski uses metaphors throughout Consummation Of Grief to express his emotions towards death and loss.

For example, he writes, "death is for / the living." This metaphorical statement implies that death is not something that happens to the dead but rather to the living. It's a reminder that the pain of loss and grief is something that the living have to bear.

Symbolism

Symbolism is a literary device that uses objects or actions to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Bukowski employs symbolism in Consummation Of Grief to represent the themes of the poem.

For example, he writes, "a radio plays / and loneliness increases" This line symbolizes the idea that grief and loss can be isolating and lonely. It's a reminder that when we're in pain, even the things that used to bring us joy can become sources of sadness.

Impact: A Poem That Resonates

Consummation Of Grief is a poem that resonates with readers on a deep and personal level. Bukowski's raw and unfiltered emotions towards death and loss are universal and relatable. The poem speaks to our shared experiences of grief and reminds us that we're not alone in our pain.

Moreover, the poem's use of literary devices creates a powerful and evocative image of death and loss that's hard to forget. Bukowski's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple words is truly remarkable.

In conclusion, Consummation Of Grief is a beautiful and haunting poem that captures the human experience of grief, loss, and the inevitability of death. Bukowski's use of literary devices and his raw and unfiltered emotions make this poem a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful and poignant reflection on the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Consummation Of Grief: A Masterpiece of Bukowski

Charles Bukowski, the American poet, novelist, and short story writer, is known for his raw, unfiltered, and often controversial works. His poems are a reflection of his life experiences, and his unique style of writing has made him one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. One of his most famous poems, Consummation Of Grief, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of loss and the pain of grief.

The poem is a short but powerful piece that explores the theme of grief and how it can consume a person's life. Bukowski's use of imagery and language is both vivid and haunting, and it leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of grief.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, and it immediately draws the reader in. Bukowski writes, "I even hear the mountains the way they laugh up and down their blue sides and down in the water the fish cry." This line is a perfect example of Bukowski's use of imagery. The mountains are personified, and their laughter is described as echoing up and down their blue sides. The fish crying in the water adds to the sense of sadness and loss that permeates the poem.

The second stanza is where Bukowski really delves into the heart of grief. He writes, "And the night too is a white man, / a hunter, and you a colored man, / a corpse, / stretched on the ground." This stanza is a powerful metaphor for the way grief can consume a person. The night is personified as a white man, a hunter, who is stalking his prey. The colored man, who represents the person experiencing grief, is already dead, stretched out on the ground. This metaphor is a powerful representation of the way grief can feel like a predator, stalking its prey until it finally consumes them.

The final stanza of the poem is where Bukowski offers a glimmer of hope. He writes, "You have become a graveyard, / you are lying there / like a tombstone / waiting for me to come back / and touch you." This stanza is a powerful reminder that even in the depths of grief, there is still the possibility of healing. The graveyard and tombstone imagery is a reminder that grief is a natural part of life, and that it is something that we all must face at some point. But the fact that the tombstone is waiting for Bukowski to come back and touch it suggests that there is still a connection between the living and the dead, and that even in death, there is still the possibility of love and connection.

In conclusion, Consummation Of Grief is a powerful poem that explores the theme of grief in a way that is both haunting and beautiful. Bukowski's use of imagery and language is masterful, and it leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The poem is a reminder that even in the depths of grief, there is still the possibility of healing and connection. It is a testament to Bukowski's skill as a poet, and it is a masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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