The Crunch
too much
too little
too fat
too thin
or nobody.
laughter or
tears
haters
lovers
strangers with faces like
the backs of
thumb tacks
armies running through
streets of blood
waving winebottles
bayoneting and fucking
virgins.
or an old guy in a cheap room
with a photograph of M. Monroe.
there is a loneliness in this world so great
that you can see it in the slow movement of
the hands of a clock.
people so tired
mutilated
either by love or no love.
people just are not good to each other
one on one.
the rich are not good to the rich
the poor are not good to the poor.
we are afraid.
our educational system tells us
that we can all be
big-ass winners.
it hasn't told us
about the gutters
or the suicides.
or the terror of one person
aching in one place
alone
untouched
unspoken to
watering a plant.
people are not good to each other.
people are not good to each other.
people are not good to each other.
I suppose they never will be.
I don't ask them to be.
but sometimes I think about
it.
the beads will swing
the clouds will cloud
and the killer will behead the child
like taking a bite out of an ice cream cone.
too much
too little
too fat
too thin
or nobody
more haters than lovers.
people are not good to each other.
perhaps if they were
our deaths would not be so sad.
meanwhile I look at young girls
stems
flowers of chance.
there must be a way.
surely there must be a way we have not yet
thought of.
who put this brain inside of me?
it cries
it demands
it says that there is a chance.
it will not say
"no."
Critical Appreciation
"The Crunch" by Charles Bukowski is a powerful and poignant poem that offers a raw and unfiltered examination of the human condition. Through its vivid imagery, stark contrasts, and unapologetic tone, the poem delves into themes of loneliness, disillusionment, and the lack of empathy in society. Bukowski's unique and distinctive style captures the reader's attention from the opening lines and takes them on a journey through the complexities of human existence.One of the notable aspects of "The Crunch" is its use of contrasting imagery. Bukowski presents a series of dichotomies, such as too much or too little, too fat or too thin, laughter or tears, haters or lovers. These stark oppositions highlight the fragmented nature of human experiences, illustrating how individuals struggle to find balance and fulfillment in a world of extremes. By juxtaposing these contrasting elements, Bukowski emphasizes the tumultuous and disorienting nature of human existence.
Throughout the poem, there is a pervasive sense of loneliness and isolation. Bukowski skillfully conveys the depth of this loneliness through vivid and evocative imagery, such as the slow movement of clock hands and an old man in a cheap room with a photograph of Marilyn Monroe. These images not only capture the physical solitude but also the emotional and existential isolation experienced by individuals in a society that lacks genuine connection and compassion.
"The Crunch" also serves as a critique of societal norms and expectations. The poem challenges the notion perpetuated by the educational system that success and happiness can be achieved by everyone. Bukowski exposes the harsh realities that are often overlooked, such as the gutters, suicides, and the profound suffering endured by individuals. This critique highlights the superficiality and inadequacy of a society that fails to acknowledge and address the true struggles faced by its members.
The poem's unapologetic tone and its repetition of the phrase "people are not good to each other" create a sense of disillusionment and resignation. Bukowski does not shy away from acknowledging the cruelty and indifference that exist in human interactions. Through his unflinching portrayal, he forces the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about humanity's capacity for compassion.
However, amid the bleakness, Bukowski hints at a glimmer of hope. The speaker's internal dialogue, symbolized by the brain inside them, asserts that there is a chance, refusing to accept defeat. This subtle expression of hope suggests that there might be an alternative, a yet undiscovered way for people to genuinely connect and treat each other with kindness.
In conclusion, "The Crunch" is a remarkable poem that resonates deeply with readers due to its exploration of universal human emotions and experiences. Through its vivid imagery, stark contrasts, and unapologetic tone, the poem provides a searing critique of societal norms, exposing the loneliness, disillusionment, and lack of empathy prevalent in contemporary society. While it confronts the darker aspects of human existence, it also hints at the possibility of change and genuine connection. Bukowski's poetic prowess shines through as he unearths the complexities of the human condition, inviting readers to reflect upon their own relationships and the potential for a more compassionate world.
Major Themes
The poem "The Crunch" by Charles Bukowski explores several prominent themes:
- Loneliness and Isolation: The poem delves deeply into the theme of loneliness and the profound sense of isolation experienced by individuals. The imagery of a clock's slow movement and an old man in a cheap room with a photograph of Marilyn Monroe vividly portrays the emotional and existential solitude that permeates the speaker's observations.
- Disillusionment and Lack of Empathy: Bukowski critiques societal norms and expectations, expressing a disillusionment with the way people treat each other. The poem highlights the lack of kindness, compassion, and empathy among individuals, both within and between social classes. The speaker reflects on the cruelty, indifference, and selfishness prevalent in human interactions, offering a searing critique of contemporary society.
- Human Cruelty and Suffering: The poem exposes the harsh realities of human cruelty and suffering. Bukowski presents vivid and disturbing imagery, such as armies running through streets of blood, waving wine bottles, and engaging in acts of violence. The poem also alludes to gutters, suicides, and the immense pain experienced by individuals, highlighting the dark and tragic aspects of human existence.
- Yearning for Connection: Amidst the portrayal of loneliness and disillusionment, there is a yearning for genuine human connection. The poem hints at the possibility of a different way of relating to one another, expressing a desire for kindness, compassion, and understanding. The speaker's internal dialogue asserts that there is a chance for a different, more empathetic approach to human interactions.
- Hope and Resilience: Despite the prevailing sense of darkness, the poem subtly suggests a glimmer of hope. The speaker's internal dialogue emphasizes the persistent belief in the possibility of change, challenging the prevailing pessimism. This theme of hope and resilience underscores the poem's underlying message that there might be a way for people to overcome their inherent flaws and treat one another with kindness.
"The Crunch" explores the themes of loneliness, disillusionment, lack of empathy, human cruelty, the yearning for connection, and the possibility of hope amidst the harsh realities of human existence.Post Image Art
