Poem Analysis - As The Poems Go

A Quiet Acceptance of Limited Impact

Charles Bukowski's "As The Poems Go" is a reflection on the act of creation and the artist's place in the world. The poem is marked by a tone of weary resignation, almost a quiet acceptance of the insignificance of one's work in the grand scheme of things. The mood is initially somber but shifts towards a gentler, more philosophical outlook as the poem progresses, culminating in a balanced consideration of both greatness and mediocrity.

Bukowski's Signature Realism

Bukowski, known for his gritty realism and focus on the everyday struggles of the working class, often explored themes of alienation, existential angst, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. His hard-boiled style and unflinching honesty were a reaction against what he perceived as the pretentiousness of academic poetry. Knowing this context helps understand the poem's anti-heroic stance and its emphasis on the mundane aspects of life.

The Fleeting Nature of Creation

One of the central themes is the ephemeral nature of artistic creation. The opening lines highlight the sheer volume of work produced ("As the poems go into the thousands") and immediately juxtapose this quantity with the realization of having "created very little." This suggests that mere output is not equivalent to lasting impact or genuine artistic merit. The poem implies that true significance is elusive, perhaps even unattainable.

Life's Elemental Essence

Another key theme revolves around the essence of lived experience. The poem distills life down to its basic components: "the rain, the sunlight, the traffic, the nights and the days / of the years, the faces." These are the raw materials from which both life and art are constructed. Bukowski seems to suggest that these simple, universal elements are more profound and enduring than any individual creation. The images of rain and sunlight are particularly potent, evoking a sense of natural cycles and the passage of time.

Mortality and the Inevitable End

The theme of mortality is subtly woven into the fabric of the poem. The line "Leaving this will be easier than living it" carries a weight of weariness and hints at a desire for release. This isn't necessarily a wish for death, but more a sense of being burdened by the daily grind of existence. The image of the man playing the piano through the radio adds a melancholic layer, reminding us of the transient nature of beauty and the inevitability of its disappearance.

The Weight of Words: A Balancing Act

The final image, "the best writers have said very little / and the worst, far too much," is a powerful statement on the art of writing. This could be interpreted as a comment on the value of concision and the dangers of verbosity. It may also imply that true insight comes from simplicity and that over-elaboration can obscure the truth. It’s a potentially ambiguous statement, inviting the reader to ponder what constitutes “little” versus “too much” in the context of artistic expression. Is "little" referring to the quantity of work produced or the complexity of the message conveyed?

Final Thoughts on Significance

In conclusion, "As The Poems Go" is a poignant reflection on the act of creation, the fleeting nature of life, and the search for meaning in a world often characterized by routine and repetition. Bukowski uses simple language and vivid imagery to convey a sense of weary acceptance, acknowledging the limitations of artistic endeavor while simultaneously celebrating the fundamental elements of human experience. The poem's significance lies in its honest and unflinching portrayal of the artist's struggle to find meaning and create something of lasting value in a world where everything is ultimately transient.