Somebody - A poem by Charles Bukowski

Comment 16 of 18, added on August 6th, 2007 at 3:06 AM.

First, Bukowski was a known misogynist, as well as an alcoholic, and the chances are very good this is based on some, perhaps many, first hand experiences. Bukowski was arrested on charges of rape at least once in his life (as he has mentioned in various interviews), but the charges were dropped. Of course, we all know that this does not mean that he didn't rape anyone. Sadly, I am almost sure that he did. It is a sign of the society we live in that such things happen to women every single day, to our mothers, sisters, daughters, all while the problem is quietly swept up and ignored. Bukowski has a serious problem and this should not be ignored simply because he wrote well.

Secondly, Bukowski was a great writer. That he was never accepted by "the academics" is wholly irrelevant. He had a directness, a way of cutting through all metaphors and pretention straight to the heart of whatever he was writing about in a way that has seldom been matched. Academics don't like him, not because he wrote often about drinking, gambling, poverty, sex, and the like---the don't like him because they think poetry should be above the common man---not for him. I happen to think they are wrong on this, and detest most of the poetry they write and endorse. Bukowski had a style that was certainly admirable, and unique. I happen to think he was one of the finest writers of the last century.

However, how you reconcile those facts with the reality of his obvious shortcomings is difficult, and up to each on his or her own to decide. I think it is important not to idolize the man. Admire his writing, but recognize his shortcomings. Rape is a very serious problem, the derogatory treatment of women one of the greatest injustices in the history of humanity, and we would do well to keep this in mind. Even as we read and admire writers of the past.

Michael from United States

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Comment 17 of 18, added on August 30th, 2007 at 3:39 PM.

I am in awe. The general misunderstandings of sheep overwhelmed by a compulsion to comment on something they clearly didnt take the time or effort to understand scares me. And somehow they have drivers licences', and even worse, they procreate.

mark from United States