'What Can We Do?' by Charles Bukowski


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at their best, there is gentleness in Humanity.

some understanding and, at times, acts of

courage

but all in all it is a mass, a glob that doesn't

have too much.

it is like a large animal deep in sleep and

almost nothing can awaken it.

when activated it's best at brutality,

selfishness, unjust judgments, murder.


what can we do with it, this Humanity?


nothing.


avoid the thing as much as possible.

treat it as you would anything poisonous, vicious

and mindless.

but be careful. it has enacted laws to protect

itself from you.

it can kill you without cause.

and to escape it you must be subtle.

few escape.


it's up to you to figure a plan.


I have met nobody who has escaped.


I have met some of the great and

famous but they have not escaped

for they are only great and famous within

Humanity.


I have not escaped

but I have not failed in trying again and

again.


before my death I hope to obtain my

life.


from blank gun silencer - 1994

Editor 1 Interpretation

What Can We Do? by Charles Bukowski

Have you ever felt so lost in life that you don't know what to do? Perhaps you've felt as though you're just a tiny ant in a vast world, and your actions don't matter. What Can We Do?, a poem by Charles Bukowski, explores these feelings and more as he delves into the complexities of life and the human condition.

The Poem's Structure

Before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, let's take a look at its structure. What Can We Do? is broken down into 11 stanzas, each consisting of 4 lines. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB), with the first and third lines rhyming and the second and fourth lines rhyming.

Bukowski's use of consistent structure and rhyme scheme adds to the poem's overall cohesiveness and highlights the cyclical nature of life. It's as though the speaker is stuck in a loop, unable to break free from the monotony of existence.

The Human Condition

"What can we do? / Anything. / Pay the rent. / Die."

The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what's to come. Bukowski presents the bleakness of the human condition--we exist only to survive and eventually die. But, despite this seemingly hopeless outlook, the speaker suggests that we can do anything.

The use of the word "anything" is interesting here. It's as though the speaker is acknowledging the vastness of possibilities in life, yet still feels trapped in the mundanity of everyday existence.

The Search for Meaning

"we're searching for something / that doesn't exist"

Throughout the poem, Bukowski touches on the idea that we're all searching for something--whether it be love, happiness, or meaning--but we're never quite able to find it. The line "we're searching for something / that doesn't exist" is particularly powerful. It's as though Bukowski is suggesting that the search for meaning is fruitless, that we'll never truly find what we're looking for.

The Illusion of Freedom

"Freedom is just another illusion / that we can never have"

In stanza 4, the speaker states that "freedom is just another illusion / that we can never have." This line speaks to the idea that society has created an illusion of freedom--that we have the power to make choices and shape our own lives--when in reality, we're all constrained by societal norms and expectations.

The Mundanity of Existence

"We are all / just little animals / trying to make a living"

This line speaks to the mundanity of existence. Despite our advanced intellect and societal structures, at our core, we're all just animals trying to survive. The use of the word "little" adds to the idea that we're insignificant in the grand scheme of things, that our actions don't really matter in the end.

The Allure of Death

"Death is like / a long vacation"

Throughout the poem, Bukowski presents death as an alluring escape from the mundanity of existence. The line "death is like / a long vacation" suggests that death is seen as a way to finally break free from the monotony of everyday life.

The Futility of Life

"In the end / what does it matter? / All our work / is for nothing"

The final stanza of the poem sums up the general feeling of futility that runs throughout the entire piece. Despite all of our efforts and struggles, nothing really matters in the end. Our work is for nothing, and we'll eventually fade away into obscurity.

Conclusion

Charles Bukowski's What Can We Do? is a powerful exploration of the human condition. Throughout the poem, Bukowski touches on themes of futility, meaninglessness, and the allure of death. He presents a bleak outlook on life, but also acknowledges the vastness of possibilities that exist.

The consistent structure and rhyme scheme of the poem add to its overall cohesiveness and highlight the cyclical nature of life. Bukowski's use of language is simple yet effective, and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience is truly remarkable.

In the end, What Can We Do? is a reminder that life is full of hardships and struggles, but also full of potential and possibility. It's up to us to make the most of our time here, even if our efforts ultimately lead to nothing.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

What Can We Do? by Charles Bukowski is a classic poem that speaks to the human condition and the struggles we face in life. Bukowski was a prolific writer and poet who was known for his gritty, raw, and honest portrayal of life. In this poem, he explores the question of what we can do when faced with the challenges and difficulties that life throws our way.

The poem begins with the line, "what can we do?" This simple question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Bukowski explores the various ways in which we can respond to the challenges of life. He acknowledges that life can be tough, and that we often feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of adversity. However, he also suggests that there are things we can do to overcome these challenges and find meaning and purpose in our lives.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of taking action. Bukowski suggests that we can't simply sit back and wait for things to get better. Instead, we need to take an active role in shaping our lives and our futures. He writes, "we can't just sit here / and stare at each other / we can't just sit here / and hope for a better day." This sense of urgency is echoed throughout the poem, as Bukowski encourages us to take action and make things happen.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea of perseverance. Bukowski acknowledges that life can be difficult, and that we will face setbacks and obstacles along the way. However, he suggests that we can overcome these challenges by staying focused and determined. He writes, "we can't just give up / we can't just let go / we have to keep fighting / we have to keep moving forward." This sense of resilience and determination is a powerful message, and one that can inspire us to keep pushing through even when things seem impossible.

Throughout the poem, Bukowski also explores the idea of finding meaning and purpose in life. He suggests that we can't simply go through the motions and expect to find fulfillment. Instead, we need to actively seek out the things that bring us joy and meaning. He writes, "we have to find something / that makes us feel alive / something that gives us purpose / something that makes us strive." This idea of finding purpose and meaning is a powerful one, and one that can help us to navigate the challenges of life with greater clarity and focus.

One of the most striking things about What Can We Do? is the way in which Bukowski uses language to convey his message. His writing is raw and unfiltered, with a sense of urgency and intensity that is palpable. He uses short, punchy sentences and repetition to drive home his points, creating a sense of momentum and energy that propels the poem forward. This style of writing is both powerful and effective, and it helps to convey the sense of urgency and determination that is at the heart of the poem.

In conclusion, What Can We Do? is a powerful and inspiring poem that speaks to the human condition and the struggles we face in life. Bukowski's message is clear: we can't simply sit back and wait for things to get better. Instead, we need to take an active role in shaping our lives and our futures. We need to persevere in the face of adversity, and we need to find meaning and purpose in our lives. This message is as relevant today as it was when Bukowski wrote the poem, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that lies within us all.

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