'Mama' by Charles Bukowski

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here I am
in the ground
my mouth
open
and
I can't even say
mama,
and
the dogs run by and stop and piss
on my stone; I get it all
except the sun
and my suit is looking
bad
and yesterday
the last of my left
arm gone
very little left, all harp-like
without music.

at least a drunk
in bed with a cigarette
might cause 5 fire
engines and
33 men.

I can't
do
any
thing.

but p.s. -- Hector Richmond in the next
tomb thinks only of Mozart and candy
caterpillars.
he is
very bad
company.


Submitted by .eve.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Mama by Charles Bukowski: A Poem of Love and Loss

I recently stumbled upon a poem that struck a chord with me in ways I couldn't have imagined. The poem was Mama by Charles Bukowski, and it spoke to me on a level that I didn't know existed. The poem is a beautiful portrayal of the love between a mother and son, and the pain that comes with the loss of that love.

At first glance, Mama may seem like a simple and straightforward poem. But upon closer inspection, there are layers upon layers of meaning and emotion that are woven into the fabric of the poem. Bukowski's use of language and imagery is nothing short of brilliant.

The poem begins with a simple yet profound statement: "I remember the night my mother was stung by a scorpion." This opening line immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Bukowski's choice of the scorpion as the instrument of pain is significant. Scorpions are known for their venomous sting, and in this context, it represents the pain that the mother and son will soon experience.

As the poem progresses, Bukowski takes us on a journey through his memories of his mother. He describes her as a strong and resilient woman who worked hard to provide for her family. He talks about how she would sing to him when he was young, and how he would fall asleep in her arms. These memories are not only beautiful but serve to highlight the deep love between mother and son.

But just as quickly as the memories come, they are gone. Bukowski writes, "but my mother, / she said nothing. / the scorpion had done his worst." This line is particularly heartbreaking because it highlights the helplessness of the situation. The mother is in pain, and there is nothing anyone can do to relieve it.

Throughout the poem, Bukowski uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the pain and sorrow that the mother and son are experiencing. He describes the mother's "swollen hand," the "burning room," and the "red light." These images are not only powerful but also serve to create a sense of tension and urgency in the poem.

As the poem comes to a close, Bukowski writes, "I thought of the last night of the earth / pressed between my fingers / and felt myself / wanting to go / there / but she said, 'go on, go on, / put the gun down, son.'" This final stanza is incredibly powerful because it highlights the love and sacrifice that the mother is willing to make for her son. She knows that he is in pain and wants him to be able to move on from the situation. The use of the gun as a metaphor for the son's pain and sorrow is also significant. The mother is essentially telling her son that he needs to let go of his pain and move forward with his life.

In conclusion, Mama by Charles Bukowski is a beautiful and poignant portrayal of the love between a mother and son. Bukowski's use of language and imagery is nothing short of brilliant, and the poem is filled with layers of meaning and emotion. The pain and sorrow that the mother and son experience are palpable, and the final stanza is a testament to the love and sacrifice that the mother is willing to make for her son. If you haven't read Mama yet, I highly recommend that you do. It's a masterpiece of modern poetry that will leave you feeling both moved and inspired.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Mama by Charles Bukowski: A Poem of Love, Loss, and Nostalgia

Charles Bukowski is a poet who is known for his raw and unfiltered writing style. His poems often explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition. One of his most famous poems, Mama, is a beautiful and poignant tribute to his mother. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in Mama, and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

The poem Mama is a reflection on Bukowski's relationship with his mother. It is a deeply personal and emotional poem that explores the complex feelings of love, loss, and nostalgia that he has for his mother. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of Bukowski's relationship with his mother.

The first stanza of the poem is a description of Bukowski's mother. He describes her as a "woman like a bulldozer" who "could move mountains with her bare hands." This imagery is powerful and evocative, and it gives the reader a sense of the strength and determination that Bukowski's mother possessed. The use of the word "bulldozer" is particularly effective, as it suggests that Bukowski's mother was a force to be reckoned with, and that she was capable of overcoming any obstacle that stood in her way.

The second stanza of the poem is a reflection on Bukowski's childhood. He describes how his mother would "sing in the kitchen" and how he would "sit on the floor and listen." This imagery is nostalgic and evocative, and it gives the reader a sense of the warmth and comfort that Bukowski felt in his mother's presence. The use of the word "listen" is particularly effective, as it suggests that Bukowski was not just hearing his mother's voice, but that he was actively engaged with her and taking in everything that she had to say.

The third and final stanza of the poem is a reflection on Bukowski's mother's death. He describes how he "cried like a baby" when he heard the news, and how he "wanted to crawl into her lap and cry." This imagery is heartbreaking and poignant, and it gives the reader a sense of the depth of Bukowski's grief. The use of the word "baby" is particularly effective, as it suggests that Bukowski was not just grieving for his mother, but that he was also feeling a sense of helplessness and vulnerability.

Throughout the poem, Bukowski uses language that is simple and direct. He does not use flowery language or complex metaphors, but instead relies on straightforward language that is easy to understand. This simplicity is effective, as it allows the reader to focus on the emotions and themes of the poem, rather than getting bogged down in complicated language.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way that Bukowski uses repetition. He repeats the phrase "my mother" several times throughout the poem, and this repetition serves to emphasize the importance of his mother in his life. The repetition of this phrase also serves to create a sense of rhythm and structure in the poem, which helps to make it more memorable and impactful.

Another important aspect of the poem is the way that Bukowski uses imagery. He uses vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem, which helps to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion. For example, he describes his mother as a "bulldozer" and as someone who could "move mountains with her bare hands." These images are powerful and striking, and they help to create a sense of the strength and determination that Bukowski's mother possessed.

In conclusion, Mama is a beautiful and poignant tribute to Bukowski's mother. It is a deeply personal and emotional poem that explores the complex feelings of love, loss, and nostalgia that he has for his mother. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of Bukowski's relationship with his mother. Throughout the poem, Bukowski uses language that is simple and direct, and he relies on repetition and imagery to create a sense of rhythm and emotion. Overall, Mama is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal experience of love and loss.

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