'Writing' by Charles Bukowski
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often it is the only
thing
between you and
impossibility.
no drink,
no woman's love,
no wealth
can
match it.
nothing can save
you
except
writing.
it keeps the walls
from
failing.
the hordes from
closing in.
it blasts the
darkness.
writing is the
ultimate
psychiatrist,
the kindliest
god of all the
gods.
writing stalks
death.
it knows no
quit.
and writing
laughs
at itself,
at pain.
it is the last
expectation,
the last
explanation.
that's
what it
is.
from blank gun silencer - 1991
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Raw and Honest Exploration of Writing in Bukowski’s Poem “Writing”
What is it about writing that has captivated the collective human consciousness for centuries? Is it the power to create worlds and characters that never existed before, or is it the ability to express oneself beyond the constraints of language and communication?
The acclaimed writer Charles Bukowski delves into this question through his poem “Writing,” a raw and unfiltered exploration of the complexities and intricacies of the writing process.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple and straightforward description of the physical act of writing. Bukowski begins by describing the motion of his fingers on the typewriter, the sound of the keys clacking against each other, and the eventual formation of words on the page.
But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Bukowski is not just describing the physical act of writing - he is detailing the emotional and psychological toll it takes on a writer.
Bukowski writes of the despair and loneliness that often accompany the creative process, describing the writer as “a lonely man/ and his typewriter,” with “no one to witness/ and no one to listen.”
He portrays writing as a form of self-torture, with the writer “chewing his nails/ and pulling at his hair/ trying to capture/ the right words.”
But despite the pain and isolation, Bukowski also acknowledges the thrill and excitement that comes with creating something new. He writes of the “flush of excitement” that comes with finding the right words, and the sense of accomplishment that follows after finally finishing a piece.
Bukowski’s poem is a powerful and honest exploration of the writer’s psyche, and the highs and lows that come with the creative process. It is an ode to the beauty and pain of art, and a reminder that the act of writing is both a gift and a curse.
Perhaps what makes “Writing” such a compelling piece of literature is Bukowski’s ability to capture the contradictions and complexities of the human experience. Through his words, he shows us that creativity is not just about the final product - it is also about the journey and the struggle it takes to get there.
In a world that often values productivity and efficiency over creativity and introspection, Bukowski’s poem is a refreshing reminder of the importance of taking time to explore our inner selves, and to create something meaningful in the process.
Overall, “Writing” is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that speaks to the universal human experience of creativity and self-expression. It is a reminder that although the act of writing can be painful and isolating, it is also one of the most rewarding and fulfilling endeavors one can undertake.
So the next time you sit down to write, remember Bukowski’s words and embrace the journey - the highs, the lows, and everything in between. For in the end, it is the act of creation itself that is truly worth celebrating.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Writing by Charles Bukowski: A Masterpiece of Raw Emotion and Brutal Honesty
Charles Bukowski is a name that needs no introduction in the world of literature. He is known for his raw, unfiltered writing style that captures the essence of the human experience in all its gritty, unglamorous glory. His poem "Writing" is a perfect example of his unique style, as it delves deep into the mind of a writer and explores the struggles and triumphs of the creative process.
The poem begins with the lines "often it is the only / thing / between you and / impossibility." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the importance of writing in the life of a writer. For many writers, writing is not just a hobby or a profession, but a lifeline that keeps them from drowning in the sea of their own thoughts and emotions. Bukowski captures this sentiment perfectly in these lines, as he acknowledges the power of writing to help us overcome the impossible.
The next stanza of the poem is where Bukowski's unique voice really shines through. He writes, "no drink, / no woman's love, / no wealth / can / match / it." Here, Bukowski is making a bold statement about the value of writing in comparison to other things that people often seek out for comfort or happiness. He is saying that writing is more valuable than any material possession or fleeting pleasure, as it has the power to transcend time and connect us to something greater than ourselves.
The third stanza of the poem is where Bukowski really starts to explore the struggles of the creative process. He writes, "it gives you / hope / and / keeps you / sane, / keeps you / gazing / in / your own / eyes." Here, Bukowski is acknowledging the fact that writing can be a double-edged sword. While it can provide us with hope and keep us sane, it can also force us to confront our own inner demons and insecurities. Writing requires us to be brutally honest with ourselves, and this can be a painful and difficult process.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where Bukowski really hits his stride. He writes, "you lose / your / belly / laugh / and / your / quick / wit." Here, Bukowski is acknowledging the fact that writing can be a lonely and isolating experience. When we are consumed by our writing, we often lose touch with the outside world and become disconnected from the people and things that used to bring us joy. This can be a difficult sacrifice to make, but for many writers, it is a necessary one in order to fully immerse themselves in their craft.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where Bukowski really drives home the point that writing is not for the faint of heart. He writes, "it puts / a / stain / on / your / liver / and / makes / your / kidneys / work / overtime." Here, Bukowski is acknowledging the toll that writing can take on our physical and mental health. Writing requires us to push ourselves to the limit, and this can have serious consequences for our well-being. However, for many writers, the rewards of writing far outweigh the risks.
The final stanza of the poem is where Bukowski brings everything full circle. He writes, "you / are / in / it / alone / and / if / you / are / lucky / a / writer / a / man / tells / the / truth." Here, Bukowski is acknowledging the fact that writing is ultimately a solitary pursuit. While we may have friends and loved ones who support us, the act of writing itself is something that we must do alone. However, if we are lucky, we may be able to connect with others through our writing and share our truth with the world.
In conclusion, Charles Bukowski's poem "Writing" is a masterpiece of raw emotion and brutal honesty. It captures the essence of the creative process in all its gritty, unglamorous glory, and it speaks to the struggles and triumphs of writers everywhere. Bukowski's unique voice shines through in every line of the poem, and his words are a testament to the power of writing to connect us to something greater than ourselves. If you are a writer or a lover of literature, "Writing" is a poem that you simply cannot afford to miss.
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