Choosing my favorite Bukowski poem. (An almost impossible task.)
It's not easy but this one knocks me on my ass every time I stumble across it (as I did tonight). Upon first reading, you might think it's dark and defeatist. But it's not. To me, it's a poem of perseverance and fortitude.
a consistent sort*
at the track
the other day
during the
stretch run
the announcer screamed:
“HERE COMES PAIN!”
I had a bet on
Pain and
he finished
2nd,
one half-length
short.
he didn’t win
that time
but he will
win soon
and you can
bet on that
again and
again and
again.
get down
heavy
* This one is for my brother-in-law, who threw his back out in a very bad way while vacationing in Florida.
* * *
a consistent sort*
at the track
the other day
during the
stretch run
the announcer screamed:
“HERE COMES PAIN!”
I had a bet on
Pain and
he finished
2nd,
one half-length
short.
he didn’t win
that time
but he will
win soon
and you can
bet on that
again and
again and
again.
get down
heavy
* * *
* This one is for my brother-in-law, who threw his back out in a very bad way while vacationing in Florida.
posted by The Unbearable Banishment at
9:10 PM
9 Comments:
hope your brother-in-law is recovering. but you've left me confused: throwing out your back "in a bad way" can mean either he's in a terrible world of hurt, OR he was doing something nefarious when it occurred...
. . and to think, after I'm gone,
there will be more days for others, other days,
other nights.
dogs walking, trees shaking in
the wind.
I won't be leaving much.
something to read, maybe.
a wild onion in the gutted
road.
Paris in the dark.
I know the name but...
I specially like Nurse Myra's.
daisy: Even though they've been married a millions years, she's still my sister and I'm not even going to THINK about that.
nurse: Touché! Another great one. That guy's got a million of them
Pat: Bukowski is not for everyone. Tread lightly.
On cold nights,when emotions are raw, I like a little Bukowski and Cohen.
well i agree,this is certainly a poem about perseverance one day he will win it
I'm not really fan of Bukowshi. For some reason his work just never manages to touch me.
Anyway, might be coming to NY in June/July. Since everything isn't confirmed, I'm fighting the urge to email you and ask, "List the 10 things I have to do in NY. And do you think we can meet up?"
MIT: You can throw some Tom Waits onto the fire, as well. Don't forget the whiskey.
SY: Hi, there! As Charlie reminds us, he will win again and again and again. Onward through the pain and fog!
Sid: Actually, I have a blog meet-up this Wednesday night! I'm always happy to show off my town. Send me the details as soon as you get them. Is your trip for business or pleasure?
Wow I never had a blog dedicated to me...lucky guy. Just because he makes your ribs.
He hurt it walking the beach we think; no chandelier swinging. Sorry daisyfea it wasn't something more exciting...
MT
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