Bukowski discussion

in my darkest hours he has made me laugh.

I like him because he's so matter-of fact about really screwed up situations. Also because he makes my own alcoholism seem less raging. ;)

For being an innovator in the chapbook/zine days, which have sort of always gone on, but a force at the beginning of the major wave of such publications that crested in my lifetime.

And for remaining a skeptical individual through the "feel good/come together" 60's and 70's.

His cool attitude about everything. Got no money, its ok, gamble and drink the little thats left. Job sucks, hate my boss, its ok, teach the little pricks a lesson before you quit. Want to get laid, take any fat or ugly lady you see, they'll appreciate it and work harder for you.

haa haa. That guy always saw the silver lining in shit.

For being more drunk and writing about being outside the fallacies of the working man. Hard to read as you get older and move further away from the angry freedom.

Bukowski's books comprise the secular bible.

Because he writes with his guts and pour them on the page. Because he is lovable even in his darkest times. Because he is true to himself, to his words and to his readers.

he inspires me. the way he describes the shitty truth is truly art

I like him because for me, he was the most honest writer. I think he was the best writer of any type I've ever read.
chris volkay

When I read his work it feels like I am NOT reading but listening to the voice of and experienced human being--that enough is reason to like Bukowski.

It is hard for me to really simply say why I like him. Years ago I used to write a lot of blogs and a girl mentioned how she thought I'd like Bukowski. The first bukowski I read was his poem Bluebird and I pretty much fell in love with his writing instantly.

I believe the man lied and exaggerated some details about things, but even with that I believe he was very honest with himself. I think it's rare you find a person that will just write out raw honesty like that.

I love that he didn't get caught up in all of the bullshit society conditions into people. That he was a bit crazy, and even with the alcoholism he didn't quit fighting. As he mentioned you've got to fight for every second, it's how well you walk through the fire.

A lot of people seem to view him as this dirty asshole, but a lot of his writing to me seems to show a genuine sweet man underneath it all. I think he knew the simple act of "feeling human" out weighted so much all of the other bullshit.

The endings of his poems always summed up it all for me. For instance in "Like a Flower in the Rain" it starts out as a raunchy poem about having sex with some woman, but it ends with the two of them merely eating food and telling one another how good they felt.

Of course, everyone interprets things in their own way. I loved Bukowski from the start.

"The Man With the Beautiful Eyes" was possibly the most touching thing I've ever read.

Gavin wrote: "in my darkest hours he has made me laugh."

me too :o)

Bukowski speaks my thoughts.

He captures in three words what other writers flirt with in a chapter, his minimal precision is amazing.

For not being afraid to be and express his true self, even in the ugliest of times. Which is a beautiful and rare quality.
Both a dirty old man and a poet. He is the manifestation of truth in human form.

Honesty. Lack of a filter. Not afraid to expose his weaknesses. And love for Dostoyevsky!

he was a true bibliophile. ive read probably 20 books hes talked about in his essays, interviews, and poems. not 1 was bad. most were amazing actually.

He's a true voice for introverts. He's able to express in writing what I mangle verbally.

alice check out some of his poetry i think its alot better than his novels. betting on the muse, pleasures of the damned, last night of the earth poems. start with those.

Franken wrote: "alice check out some of his poetry i think its alot better than his novels. betting on the muse, pleasures of the damned, last night of the earth poems. start with those."

Thanks. I have read a fair amount of his poetry and totally agree with you!

I love that he subverted the poetic form. By making his words accessible and raw, he strikes a poetic note that few authors can hit with all their lyrical and rhythmic striving.

His poetry isn't made up to suit a mass audience who will buy into it, it's clearly a part of him. It's Real.

To be so human and try not to appeared

Hi, I'm new here and don't really know where to put this comment, but I would just like to say that when I first started reading Bukowski, I could not decide for the life of me if I enjoyed it or not. It's all just so pointless with a dry drive and plot, but it's all just so absurd that you have to keep going. Not to mention, the self-aware pretentious perspective is so entertaining and endlessly relatable. The artsy scene and starving author atmosphere that is projected is just so interesting. Love Bukowski.

Gavin wrote: "in my darkest hours he has made me laugh."

This is so accurate. He makes a mockery of his own troubles until you do too. Anytime I'm stressed out, I read his books and adopt his lackadaisical attitude.

Stosch wrote: "alice check out some of his poetry i think its alot better than his novels. betting on the muse, pleasures of the damned, last night of the earth poems. start with those."

Consummation of Grief

I consider Buk a mentor and part-time father. A mentor because he has inspired my writing and I have learned so much from reading him. He is also like a part-time father since we both had shitty dads. A"real" father imparts wisdom through the experiences of what you both have been through (and I have had many of the same experiences). Hank, also has a raw and forceful style that is at the same time vulnerable. He is one of the most influential poets I have read and the one that most inspired my career in poetry and my chapbook "Finn Again Begin Again".

Gavin wrote: "in my darkest hours he has made me laugh."

yes!

the Roominghouse Madrigals is still one of the finest collections I've ever read.

his madness reminds me if I wouldn't sometimes want to embark on the daydreams and excesses of one of his characters

He said everything in the most obvious and yet elegant manner. All is ugly and sad, and disappointing, but still, there are glimmers of things worthwhile.

isnt it odd to think about the overlap between him and the beats? but no artistic interaction/acknowledgement?