'It's Ours' by Charles Bukowski


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there is always that space there
just before they get to us
that space
that fine relaxer
the breather
while say
flopping on a bed
thinking of nothing
or say
pouring a glass of water from the
spigot
while entranced by
nothing

that
gentle pure
space

it's worth

centuries of
existence

say

just to scratch your neck
while looking out the window at
a bare branch

that space
there
before they get to us
ensures
that
when they do
they won't
get it all

ever.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

It's Ours by Charles Bukowski: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you've found a kindred spirit? That's exactly how I felt when I first read "It's Ours" by Charles Bukowski. This poem is raw, unapologetic, and powerful in its simplicity. Bukowski's writing style is often associated with the Beat Generation, but his work goes beyond that label. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve into the themes, imagery, and language of "It's Ours" and explore why it continues to resonate with readers today.

The Themes of "It's Ours"

One of the most striking things about "It's Ours" is how it speaks to the human experience. Bukowski captures the sense of longing and dissatisfaction that many of us feel in our daily lives. The poem is a commentary on the struggle for identity and purpose in a world that can feel overwhelming and meaningless. Bukowski does not shy away from the harsh realities of life, but instead confronts them head-on.

One of the main themes of the poem is the search for authenticity. Bukowski writes, "if you're going to try, go all the way" and "if you're going to try, go all the way. otherwise, don't even start." These lines speak to the idea of living life fully and without regret. Bukowski is urging the reader to pursue their passions and dreams with everything they have. He acknowledges that the journey may be difficult and that there may be obstacles in the way, but he believes that the reward is worth it.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of ownership. Bukowski writes, "nobody can save you but / yourself" and "the only way to get away / is to quit talking / and leap over the edge." These lines emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life. Bukowski is saying that we are the only ones who can truly control our fate. We must take ownership of our choices and decisions if we want to live an authentic life.

The Imagery of "It's Ours"

Bukowski's writing is known for its gritty realism, and "It's Ours" is no exception. The poem is filled with vivid imagery that brings the words to life. One particularly powerful image is when Bukowski writes, "the world will beat you / to your knees and keep you there permanently / if you let it." This line paints a picture of a person being beaten down by the weight of the world. It's a visceral image that captures the sense of hopelessness that can come from feeling overwhelmed.

Another striking image in the poem is when Bukowski writes, "blue hounds will eat you up / piece by piece." This line creates a sense of danger and urgency. The blue hounds represent the harsh realities of life that threaten to consume us. Bukowski is warning the reader that they must be careful, or they risk being devoured by these forces.

The final image of the poem is one of hope. Bukowski writes, "so go out and get it / hustle / struggle / snatch your piece." This line is a call to action. It's a reminder that despite the challenges we face, we have the power to create the life we want. The image of "snatching" something implies a sense of urgency and determination. Bukowski is saying that we must be willing to fight for what we want if we want to achieve our dreams.

The Language of "It's Ours"

Bukowski's language is direct and unpretentious. He uses simple words and short sentences to convey his message. This straightforward approach is one of the things that makes his poetry so accessible to readers. Bukowski's language is also full of emotion. He writes with a sense of urgency and passion that is infectious.

One of the most powerful uses of language in the poem is when Bukowski repeats the phrase "it's ours." This repetition creates a sense of ownership and empowerment. Bukowski is saying that we have the power to create the life we want. We must take ownership of our choices and decisions if we want to live an authentic life.

Another example of Bukowski's use of language is when he writes, "you've got to have the guts to / do it." This line is short and to the point, but it's also incredibly powerful. Bukowski is saying that we must have the courage to pursue our dreams. We must be willing to take risks and push ourselves out of our comfort zones if we want to succeed.

Conclusion

"It's Ours" is a poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. Bukowski's language and imagery capture the sense of longing and dissatisfaction that many of us feel. The themes of authenticity and ownership are also incredibly powerful. Bukowski is urging the reader to take control of their own life and pursue their dreams with everything they have. This poem is a call to action, a reminder that we have the power to create the life we want. As Bukowski writes, "it's ours."

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

It's Ours: A Poem of Ownership and Freedom

Charles Bukowski, the iconic American poet, has left behind a legacy of raw and unapologetic poetry that speaks to the human experience in a way that few others have been able to capture. One of his most famous poems, "It's Ours," is a powerful and evocative piece that explores the themes of ownership and freedom in a way that is both thought-provoking and inspiring.

At its core, "It's Ours" is a poem about the human desire for ownership and control. Bukowski begins the poem by declaring that "the world is/ full of people/ who have stopped/ listening to themselves/ or have listened so long/ they have become deaf." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Bukowski goes on to explore the ways in which people have become disconnected from their own desires and needs.

The second stanza of the poem is where Bukowski really begins to delve into the theme of ownership. He writes, "some people say/ you have to take what you want/ and pay for it later." This line is a powerful statement about the human desire for control and ownership, and the idea that we are willing to do whatever it takes to get what we want, even if it means paying a price later on.

However, Bukowski doesn't stop there. He goes on to explore the idea that ownership is not just about material possessions, but also about our own lives and experiences. He writes, "but what you really want/ is to be left alone/ to have a clean heart/ and a clean mind." This line speaks to the human desire for freedom and autonomy, and the idea that true ownership is not just about possessing things, but about being in control of our own lives and experiences.

The third stanza of the poem is where Bukowski really drives home the theme of ownership and freedom. He writes, "you want to travel/ where nobody knows your name/ you want to be anonymous/ and alone." This line speaks to the human desire for freedom and anonymity, and the idea that true ownership is about being able to live our lives on our own terms, without the constraints of society or other people's expectations.

Bukowski then goes on to explore the idea that true ownership is not just about being free from external constraints, but also about being free from our own internal struggles and demons. He writes, "you want to free yourself/ from the illusion/ that life is routine/ or that life is a struggle." This line speaks to the human desire for inner peace and contentment, and the idea that true ownership is about being able to find happiness and fulfillment within ourselves, rather than relying on external factors to provide it for us.

The final stanza of the poem is where Bukowski brings everything together. He writes, "you want to be/ like a cat/ to slip through the cracks/ to never be held down/ or found." This line speaks to the idea that true ownership is about being able to move through the world freely and without constraint, like a cat slipping through the cracks. It is about being able to live our lives on our own terms, without being held down or found by anyone else.

In conclusion, "It's Ours" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of ownership and freedom in a way that is both thought-provoking and inspiring. Bukowski's raw and unapologetic style speaks to the human experience in a way that few others have been able to capture, and his exploration of the human desire for ownership and control is both insightful and inspiring. Whether you are looking for inspiration to take control of your own life, or simply looking for a powerful and thought-provoking poem to read, "It's Ours" is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the human experience.

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