Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Word (2)" by Charles Bukowski is an evocative journey through the poet's literary influences and the transformative power of literature in his life. Through vivid anecdotes and reflections, Bukowski navigates the landscape of his past reading experiences, revealing how various authors and their works have impacted him. This poem is a testament to the role of literature as both refuge and catalyst, shaping Bukowski's worldview and his own writing.

Bukowski's recounting begins with his encounters with poets and writers like Auden, Spender, and Ezra Pound, marking the rooms and moments that these readings occupied in his life. His casual mention of the settings, often modest and unremarkable, underscores the intimate relationship between reader and text, suggesting that literature's impact transcends physical space. The specific memory of reading Pound amidst the backdrop of Los Angeles, with its torn screens and domestic disputes, highlights the contrast between the lofty realms of poetry and the gritty realities of Bukowski's existence.

The poem is peppered with Bukowski's candid assessments of the writers he has read. His shifting perspective on Hemingway, from admiration to irritation, reflects the evolving nature of the reader-writer relationship, suggesting that our heroes can become human, and their once-inspiring words can lose their luster. Similarly, his interactions with the works of Robinson Jeffers and Henry Miller showcase Bukowski's critical eye and his preference for authenticity and groundedness in writing.

Celine's "Journey to the End of the Night" stands out as a pivotal reading experience for Bukowski, one that inspires both laughter and physical discomfort, encapsulating the visceral impact literature can have. His declaration that Celine writes better than him, followed by the humorous aftermath of eating too many crackers, blends admiration with a characteristic Bukowski twist, turning literary reverence into a tangible, albeit painful, encounter.

The poem also delves into Bukowski's early days as a voracious reader, juxtaposing his nocturnal reading marathons with the mundane responsibilities of day jobs and the disapproval of his landlady. This period of his life is portrayed as a formative time, filled with exploration and discovery, laying the groundwork for his own literary endeavors.

Towards the end, Bukowski reflects on his current disinterest in reading, a stark contrast to his earlier immersion in books. This shift underscores a larger narrative of change and disillusionment, yet he acknowledges the crucial role that literature has played in his development as a writer and as a person. Literature has been a means of survival, a way to endure life's challenges and to find space amidst chaos.

"The Word (2)" is not just an autobiographical account of Bukowski's literary influences; it is a homage to the power of reading and the indelible mark it leaves on the individual. Through this poem, Bukowski celebrates literature as a lifeline, a source of inspiration, and a companion through the vicissitudes of life, ultimately affirming the enduring value of the written word, even as one's relationship with it evolves.

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