Becoming Bukowski
Becoming Bukowski …
I like the way my arm
feels like I could punch hard;
ever since I got over-the-hill,
it’s like these kids are knick-knacks
on the window sill.
Because they know
as well as I do
that I’ve already
been through it all.
As if they’d have something new for me.
Knick-knack paddy-whack wagon rides
to nothing and nowhere
in no way no how
appeal to me.
I’d rather figure how this life is
my own and not someone else’s
made up a long time ago
by some guy in braids, wearing sandals
and smoking a hookah pipe
and hammering away at a
stone tablet marked for imitation
and market.
I’m just that kind of guy
who hits harder as I get older
and hit the mark
more often than not.
I don’t see the point
in getting someone to like me,
it doesn’t make the situation
any more of an elation
or aggravation.
I think I’m becoming Bukowski
about 30 years too late.
I think I admire E. E. Cummings the most out of the great poets; because of his totally unorthodox approach. For substance, I like Walt Whitman. For rhythm, I like Edgar Allan Poe. For the raw stuff, I like Ginsberg. I also like a little Dylan Thomas.
As for my own writing, I like to explore deeper feelings but feelings that have broad meaning too.
Hope to share some of that meaningful writing here.
- Sects: You All in the Course - April 10, 2021
- Going Across - March 24, 2019
- A Final Song - February 25, 2018
I watched a documentary on Burkowski a couple of years ago and can imagine this great piece as coming from his mouth , Nice writing !
Thanks, Ed! He was an interesting guy and one of my favorite poets.
Well well, so nice to see a man who’s been around through all the knocks and possibly flea bitten motels hotels and bars too. Old Chuck and I had much in common, your timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Later I will add here a tribute poem I penned about Chuck entitled. ” Main Street Poets” it’s a tribute to the hard drinking, smoking, cussing, fighting bare knuckled bar fly himself. Your poem is edgy and just the way we are, say it like it is, free thinkers, straight up and if you don’t like it attitude, then lets take it outside. One of us will walk away the other will pick himself up and go back in the bar to down another whiskey:-)) Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I’m liking your work, more and more. Well penned as always Nathan.
Thanks again, Vincent. I look forward to reading your tribute to Bukowski!
Nicely expressed my friend, raw and emotive and I connect with you how we change in age, become less accepting of all the BS. Tell it how it is, is all you can do, not interested in impressing anyone; just being who we are. Great work Nathan.
Thanks, Tony. I can tell you know exactly what I was talking about.
That was an enjoyable read, written to be easily read and understood. I feel like I’ve gotten to know someone I’d never even heard of. Sorry, my poetry roots barely penetrate the earth. But I know when I like something, and I liked this.
Thanks, Chris. Much appreciated.
Your poem hits home. I feel that I am experiencing situations very similar. I love how you close your poem with perfect closing lines. Well written. Jamie