Poem Analysis - One Thirty Six A M

A Writer's Intimate Moment

Charles Bukowski's "One Thirty-Six A.M." offers an intimate glimpse into the mind of a writer contemplating the act of writing itself. The poem is characterized by a conversational and informal tone, as if the reader is overhearing the poet's private musings. It begins with a bemused amusement, shifts to a more observational stance, and finally concludes with a quiet sense of companionship. The poem explores the everyday struggles and absurdities faced by even the most celebrated authors, ultimately finding solace in the shared experience of creation.

The Solitary Struggle of Great Minds

One of the main themes explored in the poem is the solitary struggle of the artist. Bukowski imagines Céline, Dostoevsky, and Hamsun – literary giants – as ordinary men grappling with mundane difficulties. He humanizes them, depicting Dostoevsky needing to "piss" and drink milk, and Céline dealing with the death of a patient. These details emphasize that even great writers are subject to the same bodily needs and anxieties as everyone else. The poem suggests that the act of creation is often born out of, or intertwined with, these everyday struggles, highlighting the paradox of genius emerging from the ordinary.

The Absurdity of Artistic Creation

The poem also delves into the absurdity of artistic creation. Bukowski's musings on the writing process border on the comical, particularly in the imagined scenarios of Dostoevsky's roulette wheel anxieties and Hamsun's self-assurance. The poem questions the very act of writing and its potential impact, asking "I wonder if they are going to believe all these things I write?" This line encapsulates the inherent uncertainty and potential for self-doubt that plagues any creative endeavor. The image of Hamsun as a "prolific son-of-a-bitch," contrasts sharply with the struggles of other artists, further highlighting the arbitrary nature of inspiration and success.

Finding Solace in Shared Experience

The final theme that resonates throughout the poem is that of finding solace in shared experience. While the poem initially focuses on the imagined solitude of other writers, it ultimately returns to the poet's own present moment. The description of the "dirty yellow and blue walls" and the "white cat asleep on the table" creates a sense of intimacy and quiet companionship. The concluding lines, "he's not alone tonight / and neither am I," suggest that Bukowski finds comfort in the shared experience of creation, even in isolation. The presence of the cat, a silent witness to the writer's thoughts, becomes a symbol of companionship and a reminder that even in the midst of artistic struggle, one is never truly alone.

Yellow Walls and Asleep Cat

The poem utilizes several vivid images to convey its themes. The "dirty yellow and blue walls" serve as a symbol of the poet's own environment, perhaps suggesting a life lived on the margins, yet still capable of inspiring creative thought. The "white cat asleep on the table, hiding his eyes from the light" is a recurring image that represents a quiet presence and a source of comfort. The cat's act of "hiding his eyes from the light" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the way artists often shield themselves from the harsh realities of the world in order to nurture their creative vision. Is the cat's white fur a symbol of purity of art or a blank slate of a writer's notebook?

Triumph in Shared Creation

In conclusion, "One Thirty-Six A.M." is a poem that celebrates the shared human experience of artistic creation. Bukowski's informal and conversational tone allows the reader to enter into his private world and to contemplate the struggles and absurdities faced by even the most celebrated writers. Through vivid imagery and a focus on the mundane details of daily life, the poem ultimately finds solace in the idea that even in isolation, one is never truly alone in the act of creation.