Poem Analysis - As The Sparrow

Introduction: A Lament of Regret

Charles Bukowski's "As The Sparrow" is a raw and confessional lament, steeped in regret and self-awareness. The poem begins with a stark acknowledgement of life's inherent cruelty and descends into a personal admission of past failings. The tone is initially bleak and somber, reflecting on the inevitability of death and decay. It then shifts to a more direct and painfully honest address to a "dear child," acknowledging the speaker's own shortcomings and failures in love. The overall mood is one of profound remorse and a bitter acceptance of one's own flawed nature.

The Bleakness of Existence and Inevitable Decay

The poem immediately establishes a theme of mortality and the brutal realities of existence with the opening line, "To give life you must take life." This sets a somber tone that pervades the first stanza. The imagery of "grief fall[ing] flat and hollow / upon the billion-blooded sea" suggests the vastness of suffering and the insignificance of individual sorrows within the grand scheme of things. The description of "serious inward-breaking shoals rimmed / with white-legged, white-bellied rotting creatures" is particularly vivid and disturbing, painting a picture of decay and the physical manifestation of death. This imagery emphasizes the idea that life is inherently intertwined with death and that all living things are ultimately subject to decomposition.

Love's Failure: A Sparrow's Cruelty

One of the central themes of the poem is the failure of love and the speaker's inability to offer it. The line "Dear child, I only did to you what the sparrow / did to you" is particularly striking. This metaphor suggests a natural, perhaps even instinctual, cruelty in the speaker's actions. The sparrow, often seen as a common and unassuming bird, represents a simple yet brutal act. By comparing himself to the sparrow, the speaker acknowledges his own role in inflicting pain, perhaps unintentionally, but with a cold detachment, devoid of malice, yet still causing pain. He admits he "hated you when it would have taken / less courage to love," revealing a deep-seated fear of vulnerability and a preference for emotional distance.

Age, Rebellion, and Societal Norms

The poem touches on the theme of isolation and the speaker's alienation from societal norms. The lines "I am old when it is fashionable to be / young; I cry when it is fashionable to laugh" highlight the speaker's sense of being out of step with the world. He is old, both literally and figuratively, jaded and weary while the world around him celebrates youth and happiness. His grief and sorrow are out of sync with the fashionable levity of the younger generation, further isolating him in his own suffering. This is related to the theme of not being able to love; maybe the societal norms or his experiences made him this way.

Imagery: Rotting Creatures and Inward Shoals

The image of "white-legged, white-bellied rotting creatures" is a powerful symbol of decay and the inevitability of death. This vivid imagery evokes a sense of disgust and despair, reinforcing the poem's bleak outlook on life. The "inward-breaking shoals" can be interpreted as the speaker's own internal struggles and emotional barriers. These hidden dangers represent the psychological obstacles that prevent him from forming meaningful connections and experiencing genuine love. These "shoals" are not merely physical, but rather represent the inner turmoil and damage that he carries within himself.

Conclusion: A Confession of Human Frailty

In conclusion, "As The Sparrow" is a deeply personal and unflinching examination of regret, mortality, and the failure of love. Through vivid imagery and a confessional tone, Bukowski explores the inherent cruelty of life and the speaker's own shortcomings in the face of human connection. The poem's significance lies in its raw honesty and its unflinching portrayal of human frailty. It is a reminder that even in our most flawed moments, there is still the capacity for self-awareness and a poignant understanding of our own limitations.