'As The Poems Go' by Charles Bukowski


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as the poems go into the thousands you

realize that you've created very

little.


it comes down to the rain, the sunlight,

the traffic, the nights and the days of the

years, the faces.


leaving this will be easier than living

it, typing one more line now as

a man plays a piano through the radio,

the best writers have said very

little

and the worst,

far too much.


from ONTHEBUS - 1992

Editor 1 Interpretation

As The Poems Go: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, As The Poems Go, what a marvelous piece of literature! Written by the one and only Charles Bukowski, this poem is a perfect representation of his unique style and perspective. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the meaning and interpretation of this classic poem.

Overview

As The Poems Go is a poem that speaks of the power of poetry and its ability to capture the essence of life. It is a reflection on the poet's life, the events that have shaped it, and the role that poetry has played in it. Bukowski's style is raw and honest, his words painting a vivid picture of a life that has been marked by struggle and hardship.

Analysis

The poem begins with the lines "as the poems go into the world, / they are slaughtered." Here, Bukowski is speaking of the vulnerability of poetry and the way that it is often misunderstood or dismissed by the world at large. He is acknowledging the fact that poetry is a fragile art form, one that is often subject to ridicule or criticism.

As the poem progresses, Bukowski speaks of the way that poetry has been a constant in his life, helping him to make sense of the world around him. He writes, "I have learned to walk without / rhythm, to think without air / and to live without love / as the poems go into the world." Here, he is referring to the way that poetry has helped him to navigate through life, providing him with a kind of emotional sustenance that has allowed him to survive despite the difficulties he has faced.

Throughout the poem, Bukowski's language is stark and unadorned. He uses simple, direct language to convey the weight of his experience, and his words are often blunt and unapologetic. This is a reflection of his unique style, which is characterized by its rawness and authenticity.

As the poem draws to a close, Bukowski speaks of the way that poetry has the power to transcend the limitations of language and capture the essence of life itself. He writes, "the poems are higher / than the airplanes / they are only sixteen / lines long / they are more beautiful than / breasts." Here, he is expressing the idea that poetry is a kind of magic, a way to communicate with the world beyond the boundaries of language.

Interpretation

At its core, As The Poems Go is a poem about the transformative power of poetry. Bukowski is speaking of the way that poetry has shaped his life, providing him with a kind of emotional sustenance that has helped him to survive despite the difficulties he has faced. He is also speaking of the way that poetry has the ability to transcend the limitations of language and capture the essence of life itself.

This poem is a reflection of Bukowski's unique perspective on life and art. His style is raw and unapologetic, and his words paint a vivid picture of a life that has been marked by struggle and hardship. Through his poetry, Bukowski is able to communicate his experience to the world, sharing his unique perspective and offering a glimpse into a life that is often overlooked or dismissed.

As The Poems Go is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to transform the lives of those who engage with it. Bukowski's words are a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is beauty to be found in the world, and that poetry has the power to capture that beauty and share it with the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, As The Poems Go is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the transformative power of poetry. Bukowski's unique style and perspective shine through in his words, which are raw, honest, and unapologetic. Through his poetry, Bukowski is able to communicate his experience to the world, sharing his perspective and offering a glimpse into a life that is often overlooked or dismissed.

As The Poems Go is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is beauty to be found in the world, and that poetry has the power to capture that beauty and share it with the world. Bukowski's words are a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to transform the lives of those who engage with it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

As The Poems Go: A Masterpiece by Charles Bukowski

Charles Bukowski, the legendary poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw, gritty, and unapologetic style. His works often explore the darker side of human nature, with themes of alcoholism, poverty, and loneliness. One of his most famous poems, "As The Poems Go," is a prime example of Bukowski's unique style and perspective.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "as the poems go into the thousands you realize that you've created very little." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the nature of poetry and the creative process. Bukowski suggests that despite the thousands of poems he has written, he feels as though he has created very little. This sentiment is likely shared by many artists and writers who struggle with the feeling that their work is never quite good enough.

Bukowski goes on to describe the process of writing poetry, likening it to "digging a hole to China." This metaphor suggests that writing poetry is a difficult and time-consuming process that requires a great deal of effort and dedication. Bukowski acknowledges that sometimes the effort is worth it, but other times it feels like a waste of time. This is a common feeling among artists, who often struggle with self-doubt and the fear that their work will never be appreciated.

The poem takes a darker turn as Bukowski reflects on the nature of fame and success. He suggests that even if a poet becomes famous, it doesn't necessarily mean that their work is any better than that of an unknown poet. In fact, he argues that "most of the best poems are dead and forgotten." This statement is a sobering reminder that success in the arts is often fleeting and that even the most talented artists can be overlooked or forgotten.

Despite this bleak outlook, Bukowski ends the poem on a somewhat hopeful note. He suggests that even if his poems are forgotten, they still exist and have value. He writes, "they exist more perfectly than the earth which is always in need of work." This line suggests that art has a kind of permanence that the physical world does not. Even if a poem is forgotten, it still exists in some form and can be rediscovered and appreciated by future generations.

Overall, "As The Poems Go" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of creativity, fame, and the human condition. Bukowski's raw and unapologetic style is on full display, and his reflections on the creative process are sure to resonate with artists and writers of all kinds. Despite its bleak outlook, the poem ultimately offers a glimmer of hope and reminds us of the enduring power of art.

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