Poem Analysis - Girl In A Miniskirt Reading The Bible

Introduction: Sensuality and the Sacred

Charles Bukowski's "Girl In A Miniskirt Reading The Bible" presents a voyeuristic snapshot of a woman whose devotion seems intertwined with her sensuality. The poem's tone is initially observational and almost clinical, gradually shifting into one of admiration and ultimately, a declaration of subjective divinity. This transformation reflects the speaker's internal journey from detached observer to captivated worshiper, highlighting the blurred lines between the sacred and the profane. The poem is both simple and complex, seemingly straightforward, but loaded with unspoken commentary.

Bukowski's Provocative Perspective: Beyond the Obvious

While a comprehensive historical context is complex to nail down with such a personal poem, Bukowski was known for his gritty realism and outsider perspective. He often wrote about everyday life, sex, and the struggles of the common man with a raw, unflinching honesty. This poem fits into his broader body of work by challenging conventional notions of piety and exploring the intersection of physical attraction and spiritual reflection. Knowing that Bukowski often challenged societal norms regarding faith and morality helps to contextualize the speaker's bold proclamation at the end.

The Interplay of Faith and Physicality

One central theme is the conflation of the sacred and the sensual. The woman's religious act of reading the Bible is juxtaposed against her undeniably alluring appearance. Her "mini-suit," "long yellow legs," and "slow rythmic dance" contrast sharply with the traditional image of religious piety. Bukowski blurs these boundaries, suggesting that beauty and spirituality are not mutually exclusive but can exist, and even enhance, each other. The image of her legs "moving, moving" as she reads is particularly powerful, implying a physical and spiritual connection.

The Observer's Transformation: From Detachment to Deification

Another significant theme is the power of observation and subjective experience. The poem chronicles the speaker's evolving perception of the woman. Initially, he is a detached observer, cataloging her physical attributes and actions. However, as he becomes increasingly captivated by her presence, his perspective shifts dramatically. This culminates in his declaration, "I am God," implying that his intense admiration and perhaps lust, have elevated her, and in turn, himself, to a divine status. He is a creator in this moment, anointing her with meaning.

Divine Femininity: A New Kind of God

A third theme is that of divine femininity. The poem presents the woman as an object of worship, albeit a somewhat unconventional one. Her beauty, her movements, and even her seemingly contradictory behavior (reading the Bible while dancing in a miniskirt) contribute to her allure. The speaker's declaration of "I am God" in the face of her beauty turns the expected dynamic on its head, suggesting that the divine is not something separate from human experience but is rather embodied in the beauty and mystery of the feminine. This raises questions about the nature of worship and the subjective creation of meaning.

Symbolism: Unpacking the Miniskirt and the Bible

The miniskirt and the Bible are the poem's most potent symbols. The miniskirt represents modernity, sexuality, and a break from traditional norms. It suggests a woman comfortable in her own skin and unconcerned with societal expectations. The Bible, conversely, represents faith, tradition, and moral structure. The juxtaposition of these two symbols creates a tension that underscores the poem's central theme of conflating the sacred and the sensual. The combination of these two symbols invites us to question the limitations we often place on people, especially women, expecting a certain presentation of faith and purity.

Conclusion: The Divinity of the Moment

In conclusion, "Girl In A Miniskirt Reading The Bible" is a complex and provocative poem that challenges conventional notions of faith, beauty, and worship. Through vivid imagery, a shifting tone, and potent symbolism, Bukowski explores the intersection of the sacred and the sensual, ultimately suggesting that the divine can be found in the most unexpected places. The poem's significance lies in its ability to disrupt our expectations and force us to confront our own preconceptions about religion, sexuality, and the nature of beauty. The ending, where the speaker declares "I am God," could be interpreted as a sacrilegious statement or as a moment of pure, intense appreciation that elevates the speaker to a state of transcendence, brought about by this encounter.