'The Sun Weilds Mercy' by Charles Bukowski

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and the sun weilds mercy
but like a jet torch carried to high,
and the jets whip across its sight
and rockets leap like toads,
and the boys get out the maps
and pin-cuishon the moon,
old green cheese,
no life there but too much on earth:
our unwashed India boys
crosssing their legs,playing pipes,
starving with sucked in bellies,
watching the snakes volute
like beautiful women in the hungry air;
the rockets leap,
the rockets leap like hares,
clearing clump and dog
replacing out-dated bullets;
the Chineses still carve
in jade,quietly stuffing rice
into their hunger, a hunger
a thousand years old,
their muddy rivers moving with fire
and song, barges, houseboats
pushed by drifting poles
of waiting without wanting;
in Turkey they face the East
on their carpets
praying to a purple god
who smokes and laughs
and sticks fingers in their eyes
blinding them, as gods will do;
but the rockets are ready: peace is no longer,
for some reason,precious;
madness drifts like lily pads
on a pond circling senselessly;
the painters paint dipping
their reds and greens and yellows,
poets rhyme their lonliness,
musicians starve as always
and the novelists miss the mark,
but not the pelican , the gull;
pelicans dip and dive, rise,
shaking shocked half-dead
radioactive fish from their beaks;
indeed, indeed, the waters wash
the rocks with slime; and on wall st.
the market staggers like a lost drunk
looking for his key; ah,
this will be a good one,by God:
it will take us back to the
sabre-teeth, the winged monkey
scrabbling in pits over bits
of helmet, instrument and glass;
a lightning crashes across
the window and in a million rooms
lovers lie entwined and lost
and sick as peace;
the sky still breaks red and orange for the
painters-and for the lovers,
flowers open as they always have
opened but covered with thin dust
of rocket fuel and mushrooms,
poison mushrooms; it's a bad time,
a dog-sick time-curtain
act 3, standing room only,
SOLD OUT, SOLD OUT, SOLD OUT again,
by god,by somebody and something,
by rockets and generals and
leaders, by poets , doctors, comedians,
by manufacturers of soup
and biscuits, Janus-faced hucksters
of their own indexerity;
I can now see now the coal-slick
contanminated fields, a snail or 2,
bile, obsidian, a fish or 3
in the shallows, an obloquy of our
source and our sight.....
has this happend before? is history
a circle that catches itself by the tail,
a dream, a nightmare,
a general's dream, a presidents dream,
a dictators dream...
can't we awaken?
or are the forces of life greater than we are?
can't we awaken? must we foever,
dear freinds, die in our sleep?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "The Sun Weilds Mercy" by Charles Bukowski

Are you a fan of poetry that is raw, honest, and unfiltered? Do you crave works that deal with the darker aspects of life, such as addiction, loneliness, and poverty? If so, then you are in for a treat with Charles Bukowski's "The Sun Weilds Mercy."

In this 1968 poem, Bukowski delves into the complexities of addiction and its impact on the human psyche. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, he takes the reader on a journey through the mind of an addict, exploring the highs and lows of their addiction.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem begins with the line "the sun weilds mercy" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The metaphor of the sun as a symbol of mercy is an interesting one, as typically the sun is associated with power and strength. However, in this context, Bukowski is suggesting that the sun's warmth and light can be a source of comfort and healing for those who are struggling.

The first stanza goes on to describe the experience of an addict who is "burning with a hard, gem-like flame." This line is particularly powerful as it speaks to the intensity of addiction and the way in which it consumes the individual. The use of the word "gem-like" also suggests that the addiction is something precious, something that the addict is willing to hold onto at all costs, even if it ultimately leads to their destruction.

The second stanza further explores the nature of addiction, describing it as a "fog that creeps into your bones." This line speaks to the insidious nature of addiction, and how it can slowly take hold of a person until it becomes a part of them. The use of the word "bones" also suggests that addiction can become a part of a person's identity, something that is ingrained in them at a fundamental level.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the entire poem, as it describes the feeling of being "chained to the earth." This line speaks to the way in which addiction can anchor a person down, leaving them unable to move forward or make progress in their lives. The use of the word "chained" also suggests that addiction is a form of imprisonment, something that the addict is unable to escape from.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, as Bukowski writes "but the sun gives mercy / and doesn't leave us / to burn alone." This line suggests that even in the darkest moments of addiction, there is still the possibility for healing and redemption. The use of the word "mercy" also suggests that there is a sense of forgiveness and compassion for those who are struggling, even if they have made mistakes along the way.

Themes and Motifs

One of the key themes of "The Sun Weilds Mercy" is addiction and its impact on the human psyche. Bukowski explores the way in which addiction can consume a person, leaving them unable to move forward or make progress in their lives. He also touches on the insidious nature of addiction, and how it can slowly take hold of a person until it becomes a part of them.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of redemption and healing. Bukowski suggests that even in the darkest moments of addiction, there is still the possibility for recovery and renewal. The use of the word "mercy" in the final stanza also suggests that there is a sense of forgiveness and compassion for those who are struggling, even if they have made mistakes along the way.

One of the key motifs in the poem is the use of the sun as a symbol of mercy and healing. Bukowski suggests that even in the darkest moments of addiction, the sun's warmth and light can be a source of comfort and hope. This motif also ties into the idea of redemption and renewal, as the sun's light can be seen as a metaphor for a new beginning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Sun Weilds Mercy" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of addiction and its impact on the human psyche. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Bukowski takes the reader on a journey through the mind of an addict, exploring the highs and lows of their addiction. The use of the sun as a symbol of mercy and healing is particularly effective, as it offers a sense of hope and redemption even in the darkest moments. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys poetry that is raw, honest, and unfiltered.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Sun Weilds Mercy: A Masterpiece by Charles Bukowski

Charles Bukowski, the legendary poet and novelist, is known for his raw and unapologetic writing style. His works often explore the darker side of life, including poverty, addiction, and loneliness. One of his most famous poems, "The Sun Weilds Mercy," is a haunting and powerful piece that delves into the complexities of human existence.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the sun rising over the city. Bukowski writes, "the sun is a / yellow / mouth / on the horizon." This image is both beautiful and ominous, suggesting that the sun has the power to both give life and take it away. The use of the word "mouth" is particularly striking, as it implies that the sun is a living entity with its own desires and intentions.

As the poem progresses, Bukowski shifts his focus to the people living in the city. He describes them as "ants / running / to and fro," suggesting that they are small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. This theme of human insignificance is a common one in Bukowski's work, as he often portrays people as being at the mercy of larger forces beyond their control.

The poem takes a darker turn as Bukowski begins to explore the idea of death. He writes, "the sun eats your skin / your meat / your bones / it eats your shadows like candy." This image is both gruesome and poetic, suggesting that death is an inevitable part of life. The idea that the sun "eats" everything in its path is a powerful metaphor for the destructive forces that we all must face at some point in our lives.

Despite the bleakness of the poem, there is a sense of hope that runs throughout it. Bukowski writes, "but you are not alone / you are not alone." This repetition of the phrase "you are not alone" is a reminder that even in the face of death and destruction, we are all connected to one another. It is a message of solidarity and compassion that is both comforting and inspiring.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. Bukowski writes, "the sun weilds mercy / but like a jet torch carried to high / and aimed to burn / the skin / beyond repair." This image of the sun as a destructive force is a reminder that even the most beautiful things in life can be dangerous if we are not careful. It is a warning to be mindful of our own mortality and to appreciate the time that we have on this earth.

In conclusion, "The Sun Weilds Mercy" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a haunting and powerful piece that explores the complexities of human existence. Bukowski's use of vivid imagery and raw language creates a sense of urgency and intensity that is both captivating and unsettling. The poem is a reminder that life is both beautiful and fragile, and that we must cherish every moment that we have.

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