An influence on a generation. Working-class blues. Tired of the bullshit blues. Rather not participate in the bullshit blues. An obvious influence on Tom Waits. Jim Harrison once called him "the filthiest of us all"...meaning poets...and said it as a compliment. Found him in 11th grade and he opened a whole new world.
This is awesome! I clicked on this because of your note, and truthfully, I thought it would be an essay about Hemingway (whose life is fascinating - and depressing). I never knew Bukowski had been greatly influenced by the genius.
Also, I love this quote, “I mean, I write poems, stories, novels. The poems are basically true, the rest is truth mixed with fiction. Do you know what fiction is? … Fiction is an improvement on life.” Writing as pursuit of abstract truth is a very interesting concept to me.
Hot damn! Bukowski is the reason I started writing. I used to think writing was for special folks. Those who think deeply or have beautiful sophisticated prose. Perhaps it is. Then I saw a documentary on his life when I was 20. Turns out he was as flawed as me. And wrote some of the best poems I have ever read. Bukowski’s words are addictive. Like a good coffee or whatever drug you prefer these days. I’ve read, heard, watched and even written at length about a crime from a criminal's perspective. I thought by now I was numb to it all. This short story had me twisting in discomfort. All it took was 5 pages. “the Definition of Life is Trouble”
‘get in the hustle or be a bum’ this is what appears to be the only choices on offer in modern life. thank you for this. i’ve not been a buwkoski fan. think i’ll crack open one of his books of poetry laying waste on my book shelf.
It’s all shite but if you ever stop you become destitute. That fear is what’s keeps the whole bullshite system going and keeps all of us running until death, like rats on a wheel.
Oh, brother. No one escapes life. But there are always exceptions… like being born into an extremely wealthy multi-generational family, like the Rothschilds perhaps. Otherwise, for the rest of us plebeians aka the 99% there is no recourse besides death.
One route is a life well lived,despite the treadmill.
A conscious, observed life, and an awareness of the glimpses of joy and beauty in the little, everyday things. Counting little blessings along the way.
No one said anything about "escaping from life," red herring guy. I was talking about escaping the "bullshit system," you speak of. The "bullshit system," is not "life."
The bullshit system is life… which is what I was talking about so, yes, someone did say something about it… and you responded glibly about how some escape it by running into the forest and living with the little birdies and the little monkies as if it was a remotely viable option for anyone.
Oh god. Really? I said VIABLE option. You know what that means? The rest of us don’t want to be some uncivilized goat fucker like you who can’t even engage in a discussion without resorting to foul name calling. You’re probably in the woods because you’re a menace to everyone around you. Or you’re full of shit… doubt there’s internet in the forest. So you must be close to civilization, coward.
I can handle the tough talk and often find it refreshingly more real and honest. I just get disappointed when held at arms length and not being allowed to participate.
Oh Buk! Some writers just cut through the shit and wrap themselves around reality. Thank you for this.
An influence on a generation. Working-class blues. Tired of the bullshit blues. Rather not participate in the bullshit blues. An obvious influence on Tom Waits. Jim Harrison once called him "the filthiest of us all"...meaning poets...and said it as a compliment. Found him in 11th grade and he opened a whole new world.
Same!
This is awesome! I clicked on this because of your note, and truthfully, I thought it would be an essay about Hemingway (whose life is fascinating - and depressing). I never knew Bukowski had been greatly influenced by the genius.
Also, I love this quote, “I mean, I write poems, stories, novels. The poems are basically true, the rest is truth mixed with fiction. Do you know what fiction is? … Fiction is an improvement on life.” Writing as pursuit of abstract truth is a very interesting concept to me.
Great article!
I had exactly the same reaction and thoughts!
Hot damn! Bukowski is the reason I started writing. I used to think writing was for special folks. Those who think deeply or have beautiful sophisticated prose. Perhaps it is. Then I saw a documentary on his life when I was 20. Turns out he was as flawed as me. And wrote some of the best poems I have ever read. Bukowski’s words are addictive. Like a good coffee or whatever drug you prefer these days. I’ve read, heard, watched and even written at length about a crime from a criminal's perspective. I thought by now I was numb to it all. This short story had me twisting in discomfort. All it took was 5 pages. “the Definition of Life is Trouble”
‘get in the hustle or be a bum’ this is what appears to be the only choices on offer in modern life. thank you for this. i’ve not been a buwkoski fan. think i’ll crack open one of his books of poetry laying waste on my book shelf.
Really thank you for this.
It’s all shite but if you ever stop you become destitute. That fear is what’s keeps the whole bullshite system going and keeps all of us running until death, like rats on a wheel.
Some escape though, hint escape for all animals including human animals lays in the wilderness.
Oh, brother. No one escapes life. But there are always exceptions… like being born into an extremely wealthy multi-generational family, like the Rothschilds perhaps. Otherwise, for the rest of us plebeians aka the 99% there is no recourse besides death.
Hmmmm.
One route is a life well lived,despite the treadmill.
A conscious, observed life, and an awareness of the glimpses of joy and beauty in the little, everyday things. Counting little blessings along the way.
Otherwise, it's nothing but an endurance course.
Or you can stop being brainwashed get a cheap place in a wilderness area, and get off the treadmill.
No one said anything about "escaping from life," red herring guy. I was talking about escaping the "bullshit system," you speak of. The "bullshit system," is not "life."
The bullshit system is life… which is what I was talking about so, yes, someone did say something about it… and you responded glibly about how some escape it by running into the forest and living with the little birdies and the little monkies as if it was a remotely viable option for anyone.
Oooo im soooo scared. Go fuck your wife aka your pet goat.
Cry harder Neanderthal
Oh god. Really? I said VIABLE option. You know what that means? The rest of us don’t want to be some uncivilized goat fucker like you who can’t even engage in a discussion without resorting to foul name calling. You’re probably in the woods because you’re a menace to everyone around you. Or you’re full of shit… doubt there’s internet in the forest. So you must be close to civilization, coward.
everyday, every way
Excellent critique and excerpt.... I'm darkly inspired by Bukowski and Harrison....over and over.
Charles Bukowski is a master.
I can handle the tough talk and often find it refreshingly more real and honest. I just get disappointed when held at arms length and not being allowed to participate.
He put me in each space, each thought. Thank you.
"—get in on the hustle or be a bum."
Indeed!
This was a powerful jolt to read first thing in the morning.
🖤
Bukowski is the only poet I listen to.