'Sway With Me' by Charles Bukowski
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sway with me, everything sad --
madmen in stone houses
without doors,
lepers steaming love and song
frogs trying to figure
the sky;
sway with me, sad things --
fingers split on a forge
old age like breakfast shell
used books, used people
used flowers, used love
I need you
I need you
I need you:
it has run away
like a horse or a dog,
dead or lost
or unforgiving.
Submitted by .eve.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sway With Me: A Critique and Interpretation
Introduction
Sway With Me is a classic poem written by Charles Bukowski that has been a fan favorite for decades. Bukowski's poetry is often characterized by its raw, gritty nature that reflects the underbelly of society. Sway With Me is no exception, as it delves deep into the emotions of a man who is struggling with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Analysis
The poem begins with a simple two-word sentence: "Sway with me." These words set the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker is inviting someone to join him in his struggle. The use of the word "me" implies that the speaker is alone and is looking for companionship.
The second stanza of the poem is where we start to see the first hints of Bukowski's signature style. The speaker describes himself as a "broken toy" that has been "thrown away." This imagery is powerful, as it represents the way that society often casts aside those who do not fit neatly into its predetermined boxes.
The third stanza is where we start to see the real heart of the poem. The speaker describes the world around him as "ugly" and "rotten." This language is harsh but honest, and it speaks to the frustrations that many people feel with the world today. The speaker goes on to describe his own struggles, saying that he has been "kicked and battered" and that he is "tired of fighting."
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. The speaker asks the person he is addressing to "hold me tight." This simple request is incredibly vulnerable, as it speaks to the speaker's need for comfort and connection. The use of the word "tight" is significant, as it implies a sense of desperation and urgency.
The final stanza of the poem is where we see the speaker start to come to terms with his struggles. He describes himself as a "soul survivor," someone who has managed to make it through despite all the hardships he has faced. The repetition of the word "survivor" is significant, as it emphasizes the speaker's resilience in the face of adversity.
Interpretation
At its core, Sway With Me is a poem about the human need for connection and comfort in the face of hardship. The speaker is struggling with the weight of the world on his shoulders and is looking for someone to share that burden with. The imagery of a broken toy that has been thrown away is particularly powerful, as it speaks to the way that society often discards those who do not fit neatly into its predetermined boxes.
The harsh language that the speaker uses to describe the world around him is also significant. Bukowski was known for his unflinching portrayals of the darker side of life, and Sway With Me is no exception. The speaker's frustration with the world is palpable, and it speaks to the way that many people feel about the state of society today.
The request to "hold me tight" is the emotional heart of the poem. It speaks to the speaker's deep need for connection and comfort, and it is a reminder that even the strongest among us need a shoulder to lean on from time to time.
The final stanza of the poem is where we see the speaker start to come to terms with his struggles. The repetition of the word "survivor" is significant, as it emphasizes the speaker's resilience in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that no matter how bleak things may seem, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Conclusion
Sway With Me is a classic poem that speaks to the human need for connection and comfort in the face of hardship. Bukowski's signature style is on full display here, as he uses harsh language and vivid imagery to paint a picture of a world that is often ugly and rotten. The speaker's request to "hold me tight" is particularly powerful, as it speaks to the deep need that we all have for connection and comfort. In the end, the poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sway With Me: A Poem by Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski, the renowned American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw and unfiltered writing style that often explores the darker aspects of human nature. His poem, Sway With Me, is no exception. In this 20-line poem, Bukowski captures the essence of a fleeting moment of intimacy between two strangers in a bar. The poem is a perfect example of Bukowski's ability to use simple language to convey complex emotions and ideas.
The poem begins with the speaker observing a woman in a bar. He describes her as "a woman / with a face / that could stop / a truck." The woman's beauty is so striking that it commands the speaker's attention. He watches her as she sways to the music, lost in her own world. The speaker is drawn to her, and he wants to be a part of her world.
The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker's desire becomes more apparent. He says, "I want to sway with her / I want to be part of her / world." The speaker's desire is not just physical; he wants to be a part of the woman's world. He wants to know her, to understand her, and to be a part of her life. The speaker's desire is not just for a moment of physical pleasure; it is for something deeper and more meaningful.
The third stanza of the poem is where the woman becomes aware of the speaker's presence. She turns to him and smiles, and the speaker is struck by her beauty once again. He describes her smile as "a smile / that could make / a dead man / come." The woman's smile is so powerful that it has the ability to bring someone back to life. This description is a testament to the woman's beauty and the effect it has on the speaker.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the woman invites the speaker to dance. She says, "come on / sway with me." The invitation is simple, but it is also significant. The woman is inviting the speaker into her world, and he accepts. The two of them begin to dance, and the speaker describes the experience as "swaying / in the dark / with a woman / who could stop / a truck."
The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker reflects on the moment. He says, "and I knew / that nothing / would ever be / the same / again." The moment of intimacy between the speaker and the woman has changed him. He has experienced something profound, and he knows that he will never be the same again. The moment has opened his eyes to the beauty of the world and the power of human connection.
Sway With Me is a poem that explores the power of human connection and the beauty of the world. The poem is a testament to Bukowski's ability to use simple language to convey complex emotions and ideas. The poem is also a testament to the power of intimacy and the effect it can have on a person. The moment of intimacy between the speaker and the woman has changed him, and he knows that he will never be the same again.
In conclusion, Sway With Me is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of a fleeting moment of intimacy between two strangers in a bar. The poem is a testament to Bukowski's ability to use simple language to convey complex emotions and ideas. The poem is also a testament to the power of intimacy and the effect it can have on a person. The moment of intimacy between the speaker and the woman has changed him, and he knows that he will never be the same again. Sway With Me is a poem that will stay with you long after you have read it.
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