Poem Analysis - Decline

Introduction: A Descent into Existential Weariness

Charles Bukowski's "Decline" is a stark and unsettling meditation on aging, disillusionment, and the pervasive sense of decay. The poem plunges the reader into a scene of vulnerability and self-reflection, as the speaker confronts his own mortality and the apparent meaninglessness of existence. The tone is initially one of weary resignation, shifting into a darker contemplation of societal and personal collapse. The poem ends on a note of pessimistic acceptance, suggesting an unavoidable demise.

Theme 1: The Erosion of Purpose

One of the central themes of "Decline" is the erosion of purpose and vitality over time. The poem opens with a stark contrast between the speaker's present state and his past. He reflects on a time "I once battled in dark alleys / for a laugh." This memory evokes a sense of youthful energy and defiance, which is sharply contrasted with his current ritual of "spreading sesame seed oil / over my body." This act feels futile and absurd, prompting the anguished question, "Jesus, / have I come to this?" The absence of laughter now highlights the loss of that earlier, perhaps reckless, but undeniably passionate engagement with life. The speaker's current actions symbolize a kind of passive self-preservation, a far cry from his past willingness to fight for even a fleeting moment of joy.

Theme 2: Mortality and Decay

The theme of mortality and decay is pervasive throughout the poem. The line "Things are made of something and / go to nothing" encapsulates a fundamental understanding of the ephemeral nature of existence. This realization extends beyond the individual, encompassing the "fall of cities, / of nations." The image of "My blood is soiled" suggests a corruption from within, a tainting of the life force itself. The "dark angel" sitting in the speaker's brain represents a constant awareness of death and decline, a force that colors his perception of the world. The rotted sky is an especially powerful symbol indicating that there is no longer hope or salvation, even from above; everything is doomed.

Theme 3: Alienation and Isolation

The poem also explores the theme of alienation and isolation. The speaker's nakedness, both literal and metaphorical, exposes his vulnerability and separateness. He is alone with his thoughts and his oil, isolated from meaningful connection. The small plane flying overhead emphasizes his insignificance in the grand scheme of things. His upward gaze is described as if it "made sense to / look upward," implying that it doesn't. This suggests a rejection of traditional sources of comfort or meaning, such as religion or spirituality, leaving him adrift in a world that feels increasingly hostile and indifferent.

Symbolism and Imagery: The Rotted Sky and Soiled Blood

The poem utilizes potent symbols and imagery to convey its message of decline. The "sesame seed oil" can be interpreted as a futile attempt to stave off the inevitable aging process, a superficial effort to maintain a youthful appearance in the face of internal decay. The "rotted sky" is perhaps the most striking image, symbolizing the loss of hope, inspiration, and divine favor. It suggests that the very fabric of reality is decaying. Likewise the "soiled blood" indicates some kind of internal corruption or taint. What could have 'soiled' the blood - physical illness? spiritual corruption? A sense of pointlessness so strong it has permeated the very lifeblood of the speaker?

Concluding Thoughts: An Acceptance of the Inevitable?

"Decline" is a poignant exploration of the aging process and the confrontation with mortality. Bukowski doesn't offer easy answers or comforting illusions. Instead, he presents a raw and unflinching portrait of a man grappling with the loss of purpose and the realization that all things eventually return to nothing. The poem's power lies in its honesty and its willingness to confront the darker aspects of human existence. Whether the ending signifies a resigned acceptance or a quiet despair remains open to interpretation, but the impact of the poem lingers long after the final line.