'Rain Or Shine' by Charles Bukowski
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the vultures at the zoo
(all three of the)
sit very quietly in their
caged tree
and below
on the ground
are chunks of rotten meat.
the vultures are over-full.
our taxes have fed them
well.we move on to the next
cage.
a man is in there
sitting on the ground
eating
his own shit.
i recognize him as
our former mailman.
his favorite expressionhad been:
"have a beautiful day."that day i did.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Rain or Shine by Charles Bukowski is a classic poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence. Written in Bukowski's characteristic style, the poem is a powerful meditation on the human condition, and the challenges that we all face as we move through the world.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the key themes, motifs, and literary devices employed by Bukowski in Rain or Shine, and explore the ways in which they come together to create a lasting and memorable work of poetry.
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a moment to read the poem in its entirety:
Rain or shine
the clock still counts
and the hours still mount
and when death comes
it comes like a thief in the night
but life is all right
because we made it that way
and if we didn't
well, that's all right too
there's always tomorrow
or maybe even next week
or maybe even next year
and if not
well, then there's nothing
except the things we left behind
and the memories that we made
in the rain or the shine
of our time
Analysis
Themes
At its core, Rain or Shine is a poem about the passage of time, and the ever-present specter of death that hangs over our lives. The poem explores the fragility of existence, and the ways in which we try to make sense of our place in the world.
One of the key themes of the poem is the cyclical nature of life. Bukowski reminds us that no matter what happens, the clock keeps ticking, and the hours keep mounting. We cannot escape the relentless march of time, and no matter how hard we try, we are all subject to the same fate.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of acceptance. Bukowski seems to be suggesting that life is what we make of it, and that if we can learn to accept both the good and the bad, we can find a measure of peace and contentment in our lives.
Finally, the poem is also concerned with the idea of legacy. Bukowski reminds us that when we die, all that we are left with are the things we leave behind, and the memories that we have created. In this sense, the poem is a call to action, urging us to make the most of our time on earth, and to leave something meaningful behind for those who come after us.
Motifs
One of the most striking motifs in Rain or Shine is the image of the clock. Bukowski uses this image to remind us of the relentless march of time, and the ways in which it shapes our lives. The clock is a constant presence throughout the poem, serving as a reminder that no matter what happens, time keeps moving forward.
Another important motif in the poem is that of death. Bukowski describes death as a thief in the night, reminding us that it can come at any moment, without warning. The image of the thief is a powerful one, suggesting that death is something that we cannot control, and that we are all vulnerable to its capricious whims.
Finally, the poem also makes use of the motif of the weather. Bukowski contrasts the rain and the shine, suggesting that life is a mixture of both good and bad times. The weather serves as a powerful metaphor for the ups and downs of life, and Bukowski reminds us that no matter what the weather may be, we must learn to endure and persevere.
Literary Devices
Bukowski employs a number of literary devices in Rain or Shine to create a sense of depth and meaning in the poem. One of the most effective of these devices is repetition. Throughout the poem, Bukowski repeats key phrases and images, such as the clock and the rain or shine, to create a sense of rhythm and continuity.
Another important literary device in the poem is metaphor. Bukowski uses the weather as a metaphor for the complexities of life, and death as a metaphor for the ultimate mystery that we all face. By using metaphors in this way, Bukowski is able to convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that is both accessible and powerful.
Finally, the poem also makes use of irony. Bukowski suggests that life is all right, even in the face of death, and that we have the power to make our lives meaningful and fulfilling. However, this message is delivered in a tone that is somewhat ironic, suggesting that Bukowski himself is aware of the inherent contradictions and complexities of life.
Conclusion
Rain or Shine is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental aspects of the human condition. Through the use of repetition, metaphor, and irony, Bukowski creates a sense of depth and meaning in the poem, reminding us of the fragility of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of making the most of our time on earth.
In the end, Rain or Shine is a call to action, urging us to embrace life in all its complexities, and to leave something meaningful behind for those who come after us. It is a reminder that no matter what happens, the clock keeps ticking, and the hours keep mounting, and that it is up to us to make the most of the time that we have.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Rain or Shine: A Poetic Masterpiece by Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski is a name that needs no introduction in the world of literature. He is known for his raw, unfiltered, and often controversial writing style that has earned him a cult following. Bukowski's poetry is a reflection of his life experiences, and his work often deals with themes of love, sex, alcoholism, and the struggles of the working-class. One of his most famous poems, Rain or Shine, is a perfect example of his unique style and perspective.
Rain or Shine is a short poem that consists of only six lines, but it packs a powerful punch. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. This gives Bukowski the freedom to express himself in his own unique way, without being constrained by traditional poetic forms.
The poem begins with the line, "the best often die by their own hand." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. Bukowski is known for his dark and pessimistic outlook on life, and this poem is no exception. He acknowledges that even the best among us are not immune to the struggles and hardships of life, and that sometimes these struggles can become too much to bear.
The second line of the poem, "just to get away," is a reference to suicide. Bukowski is suggesting that some people choose to end their lives as a way of escaping the pain and suffering that they are experiencing. This is a heavy topic, but Bukowski approaches it with his trademark honesty and directness.
The third line of the poem, "clean from the ties that bind," is a reference to the freedom that death can bring. Bukowski is suggesting that death can be a release from the constraints and obligations of life. This is a common theme in his work, as he often portrays death as a way of escaping the mundane and oppressive aspects of existence.
The fourth line of the poem, "they say the weather is getting better," is a reference to the idea that life goes on, even after someone has died. Bukowski is suggesting that even though someone may have taken their own life, the world will continue to turn, and the weather will continue to change. This is a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we should make the most of the time that we have.
The fifth line of the poem, "now that we'll have a little sun," is a reference to the idea that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future. Bukowski is suggesting that even though someone may have died, there is still the possibility of happiness and joy in the world. This is a message of hope, and it shows that Bukowski is not entirely pessimistic about life.
The final line of the poem, "paying no mind to the hours," is a reference to the idea that time is relative. Bukowski is suggesting that when we are happy and content, time seems to fly by, but when we are sad and miserable, time seems to drag on forever. This is a reminder that our perception of time is influenced by our emotional state, and that we should strive to find happiness and contentment in our lives.
In conclusion, Rain or Shine is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that showcases Bukowski's unique style and perspective. The poem deals with heavy themes such as suicide and death, but it also offers a message of hope and resilience. Bukowski's use of free verse allows him to express himself in his own unique way, and his direct and honest approach to writing is what makes his work so compelling. Rain or Shine is a true masterpiece of modern poetry, and it is a testament to Bukowski's talent and legacy.
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