Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Young Man on the Bus Stop Bench" by Charles Bukowski is a poignant reflection on the transient nature of life, the isolation that accompanies poverty, and the personal memories of struggle that shape our understanding of others. Through the lens of observing a young, homeless man, Bukowski delves into his own past experiences of hardship, drawing parallels between his life and the young man's situation, while also confronting the limitations of empathy and the inevitability of change.

The poem begins with a stark portrayal of the young man, whose presence at the bus stop becomes a constant in the landscape of Sunset and Western. His condition—marked by dirtiness and the worn state of his shoes—serves as a visual metaphor for neglect and the harsh realities faced by those living on the margins of society. The young man's acceptance by the community, to the extent that he is left undisturbed, underscores a societal resignation to the presence of poverty and suffering, suggesting a collective desensitization to the plight of others.

Bukowski's doubt about the young man being "the 2nd coming of Christ" introduces a theme of missed recognition and the overlooked potential within every individual, regardless of their circumstances. This skepticism also reflects Bukowski's characteristic cynicism towards salvation and redemption, framing the young man's situation as one of many unnoticed tragedies.

As the poem progresses, Bukowski shifts the focus to his own past, recounting days of similar destitution and aimlessness. His recollection of "park benches, street corners, tarpaper shacks in Georgia" not only humanizes the young man by drawing on shared experiences but also highlights the universal struggle for survival and dignity amidst adversity. Bukowski's refusal of charity and governmental assistance during his times of need emphasizes a prideful independence and a desire for autonomy, even in the face of dire circumstances.

The contemplation of life becoming "difficult: being ignored and ignoring" touches on the psychological toll of poverty and social invisibility. Bukowski describes a detachment from basic human desires—food, shelter, companionship—portraying a state of existential numbness where "everything turns into white air." This metaphor captures the erasure of individuality and the blurring of existence into a void of indifference.

Despite his current comfort and stability, the speaker admits to feeling a connection with the young man, a reminder of his own vulnerabilities and past struggles. However, the admission that "I don’t know what to do" underscores the complexity of addressing homelessness and poverty, acknowledging the gap between empathy and effective action.

The young man's disappearance by the poem's end serves as a sobering reminder of the impermanence of life and the ease with which society moves on from those it deems unworthy or inconvenient. The enduring presence of the bench, now "advertising something," symbolizes the commercialization and commodification of space, further marginalizing those without means.

"Young Man on the Bus Stop Bench" is a reflective and deeply moving piece that confronts the realities of poverty, the echoes of personal hardship, and the limitations of compassion in a world that often values prosperity over people. Through this contemplation, Bukowski invites readers to consider their own responses to the suffering of others and the shared humanity that binds us, despite our different paths.

POEM TEXT:

he sits all day at the bus stop
at Sunset and Western
his sleeping bag beside him.
he’s dirty.
nobody bothers him.
people leave him alone.
the police leave him alone.
he could be the 2nd coming of Christ
but I doubt it.
the soles of his shoes are completely
gone.
he just laces the tops up
and sits and watches traffic.

I remember my own youthful days
(although I traveled lighter)
they were similar:
park benches
street corners
tarpaper shacks in Georgia for
$1.25 a week
not wanting the skid row church
hand-outs
too crazy to apply for relief
daytimes spent laying in public parks
bugs in the grass biting
looking into the sky
little insects whirling above my head
the breathing of white air
just breathing and waiting.

life becomes difficult:
being ignored
and ignoring.
everything turns into white air
the head fills with white air
and as invisible women sit in rooms
with successful bright-eyed young men
conversing brilliantly about everything
your sex drive
vanishes and it really
doesn’t matter.
you don’t want food
you don’t want shelter
you don’t want anything.
sometimes you die
sometimes you don’t.

as I drive past
the young man on the bus stop bench
I am comfortable in my automobile
I have money in two different banks
I own my own home
but he reminds me of my young self
and I want to help him
but I don’t know what to do.

today when I drove past again
he was gone
I suppose finally the world wasn’t
pleased with him being there.

the bench still sits there on the corner
advertising something.

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