Poem Analysis - Back To The Machine Gun

A Grotesque Awakening: Introduction to Bukowski's World

Charles Bukowski's "Back To The Machine Gun" presents a raw and unflinching slice of everyday life, filtered through the lens of a weary and disillusioned protagonist. The poem's tone is initially sluggish and hungover, gradually shifting to a sense of mounting anxiety and a desperate need for creative catharsis. It's a portrait of a man besieged by mundane responsibilities and societal expectations, finding solace only in the promise of artistic expression. The poem doesn't celebrate grand victories, but rather highlights the constant, low-grade battle against the pressures of existence.

The Weight of the Mundane: External Pressures and Internal Discomfort

The poem immediately establishes a sense of physical and mental discomfort. The narrator's "hung over" state, his "hair down in [his] eyes," and his "gingerly walking on the small sharp rocks" all contribute to a feeling of vulnerability and exposure. This vulnerability is then amplified by the encounter with the "young housewife next door," whose seemingly innocuous greeting feels like "being shot in the ass with a .22." This jarring image emphasizes the narrator's sensitivity and the way even simple interactions can feel like attacks. The subsequent catalog of bills and notices – Visa, Penny saver coupons, Dept. of Water and Power, mortgage, Weed Abatement Department – further underscores the overwhelming burden of everyday responsibilities that weigh upon him.

Survival Through Creation: Art as a Weapon

One of the central themes of the poem is the power of art as a means of coping with the pressures of life. The narrator, feeling "closed in" by the demands of his existence, concludes that "maybe I'd better write something tonight." This suggests that writing is not merely a hobby, but a necessary act of self-preservation, a way to "handle those motherfuckers" – the societal forces and personal anxieties that threaten to overwhelm him. The poem implies a direct correlation between the external pressures and the need for creative output; writing is his "machine gun," his means of fighting back. This ties into a broader theme of artistic creation as resistance.

Recurring Images: Rocks, Bathrobes and The Burden of "Hank"

The image of the "small sharp rocks" is a recurring motif, symbolizing the minor but persistent pains and irritations that plague the narrator's life. Each step is a reminder of discomfort and vulnerability. His "old torn bathrobe" is also a symbol of his disheveled state, both physically and mentally, and a rejection of societal expectations of respectability. The housewife's use of his name, "Hello, Hank!" is crucial. It is an invocation and a painful reminder of his identity, the sum total of his failures, debts, and disheveled appearance. This brings to question whether "Hank" is a version of himself the author either accepts or abhors. The rocks and robe represent the constant annoyances that "Hank" navigates daily, whereas his name is an accusation of not living up to his full potential.

The Delayed Race: A Sacrifice for Sanity

The final line, "The night harness races will have to wait," is significant because it highlights the narrator's prioritization of art over leisure. While the harness races likely represent a form of escape and entertainment, they are ultimately deemed less important than the need to write. This decision underscores the seriousness of the narrator's artistic calling, suggesting that writing is not just a pastime but a vital necessity for his mental and emotional well-being. The races becoming secondary emphasizes how art is essential for his survival in the face of overwhelming pressures.

The Power of the Prosaic: Concluding Thoughts on Bukowski's Realism

In conclusion, "Back To The Machine Gun" is a stark and honest depiction of the struggles of everyday life, presented with Bukowski's signature grit and realism. The poem explores themes of vulnerability, the burden of responsibility, and the power of art as a means of resistance. Through vivid imagery and a brutally honest tone, Bukowski captures the feeling of being besieged by mundane pressures and offers a glimpse into the desperate need for creative expression as a form of self-preservation. The poem's enduring power lies in its ability to resonate with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of modern existence and sought solace in the act of creation.