Charles Bukowski, the American poet and novelist, is known for his gritty and raw writing style. His poetry often delves into the struggles of everyday life, the dark underbelly of society, and the human condition with brutal honesty. In this post, we have carefully selected ten of the best Charles Bukowski poems that exemplify his unique voice and worldview.
1. "Bluebird"
there's a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I'm too tough for him,
I say, stay in there, I'm not going
to let anybody see
you.
"Bluebird" is one of Bukowski's most famous poems, revealing a softer, more vulnerable side of the poet beneath his gruff exterior. The bluebird symbolizes the tenderness and fragility that Bukowski keeps hidden from the world.
2. "The Laughing Heart"
your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out.
there is a light somewhere.
"The Laughing Heart" is an empowering poem that encourages readers to seize control of their lives and not succumb to the darkness. Bukowski’s message is one of resilience and hope, urging us to find our own paths and embrace life’s opportunities.
3. "The Genius of the Crowd"
there is enough treachery, hatred
violence,
absurdity in the average
human being
to supply any given army on any given day.
"The Genius of the Crowd" is a powerful critique of human nature and the collective evil that can arise from the masses. Bukowski’s observations are stark and unflinching, making this poem a striking commentary on society.
4. "Let It Enfold You"
either peace or happiness,
let it enfold you
when I was a young man
I felt these things were
dumb, unsophisticated.
"Let It Enfold You" is a reflective poem in which Bukowski contemplates the importance of embracing peace and happiness. It’s a poignant reminder to appreciate life’s simple pleasures and to let go of youthful cynicism.
5. "Alone with Everybody"
the flesh covers the bone
and they put a mind
in there and
sometimes a soul,
and the women break
vases against the walls
and the men drink too much
and nobody finds the one
but keep
looking
"Alone with Everybody" captures the existential loneliness and isolation that pervade Bukowski’s work. The poem explores the difficulty of finding genuine connection in a world filled with broken relationships and unfulfilled desires.
6. "So You Want to Be a Writer?"
if it doesn’t come bursting out of you
in spite of everything,
don’t do it.
unless it comes unasked out of your
heart and your mind and your mouth
and your gut,
don’t do it.
"So You Want to Be a Writer?" is a candid and brutally honest poem about the demands and realities of the writing life. Bukowski’s advice is clear: only pursue writing if it is an undeniable, uncontainable force within you.
7. "For Jane: With All the Love I Had, Which Was Not Enough"
I pick up the skirt,
I pick up the sparkling beads
in black,
this thing that moved once
around flesh,
and I call God a liar,
I say anything that moves
like that
or that
returns in the night,
can’t be dead.
"For Jane: With All the Love I Had, Which Was Not Enough" is a poignant and heart-wrenching poem about loss and regret. Bukowski reflects on the love he had for Jane and the pain of her absence, capturing the raw emotion of grief.
8. "Roll the Dice"
if you’re going to try, go all the
way.
otherwise, don’t even start.
if you’re going to try, go all the
way.
this could mean losing girlfriends,
wives, relatives, jobs
and
maybe your mind.
"Roll the Dice" is an inspiring and intense poem that challenges readers to fully commit to their passions, no matter the cost. Bukowski’s words are a call to take risks and to live life to its fullest, even if it means facing significant sacrifices.
9. "A Smile to Remember"
we had goldfish and they circled around and around
in the bowl on the table near the heavy drapes
covering the picture window and
my mother, always smiling, wanting us all
to be happy, told me, 'be happy Henry!'
and she was right: it’s better to be happy if you
can.
"A Smile to Remember" is a reflective poem that juxtaposes childhood memories with the harsh realities of life. The poem is filled with bittersweet moments, capturing the complex emotions that arise from remembering the past.
10. "The Shoelace"
a woman, a tire that’s flat, a disease, a
desire: fears in front of you,
fears that hold so still you
can study them
like pieces on a chessboard...
"The Shoelace" delves into the frustrations and irritations of daily life, the small things that can drive a person to despair. Bukowski’s keen observation of these moments, and his ability to turn them into powerful poetry, is on full display in this poem.
Charles Bukowski’s poetry is marked by its raw, unfiltered look at life, love, and the human condition. These ten poems provide a glimpse into his world, filled with struggles, moments of clarity, and profound truths. Each poem offers something unique, making them essential reads for anyone interested in modern poetry.
