the Pugilist

the Pugilist

 

 

 

 

Bukowski spilled his wine

all over my poetry

in rampant disregard

 

he just got another glass

and typed

sitting cross legged at his desk

 

non-apologetic

about his life

his manner

his murmur

of stories

that following of his

oh, my God

the tortured artist

 

with his girlfriend's cheek

imprinted on his fist

 

lovely Man

wrote pain

as he inflicted it

 

He is an anti-hero

with abusive courage

even his words fear him

 

I read him once or twice

spilled my brandy on his words

to get him back

 

he just laughed

and wrote more poems as

I noticed more imprints

on his fist

 

a fistful of poems

and here I thought Clint Eastwood

was too old for that.

 

 

erin-cilberto

12/16/21

Reviews

[andrew mitchell]

Rolf Harris a famous artist in jail for molesting children, use to like him but that draws the line when we found out, so any abusive artists is a no from me just on principal.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, I hear you loud and clear, andrew,
j.

[Fran Marie]

I suppose you could call
the man's poetry unique
different and interesting
In spite of his complexed self
like the Clint Eastwood toughness
added in ..good stuff

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am in the minority as I call it pretty average...and don't feel being a tortured artist entitles one to spew abuse at those around him...
thank you for your words, Fran,

j.

[R.J Calzonetti (Siniste..]

I like his work, he was an amazing poet writing about life from the perspective of poverty and had a dark outlook that was very interesting. He was a horrible person in many ways, but I can’t deny that his poetry was far more than that.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your perspective, R.J..
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

Bukowski you-tube videos are amazing. He was what he wrote. I liked his books, story and poetry. He wasn't afraid to tell you the truth. Thak you Jacob for remembering a wild man. At least, he died old.
Coyote

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I know he has had quite a following...no doubt....didn't like the truth of what kind of person he was....thank you for your words, Coyote,
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Jacob.

[John the Baptist]

Earlier this year I read "Open All Night," and concluded Bukowski is an acquired taste. Still, he was honest, if not tactful, and at times the bugger made me laugh out loud.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I agree with you on the "acquired taste"---I never acquired it.
thank you, John,
j.

[William Michael Reeves]

Clint Eastwood must be as tough as the characters he played. He just keeps going strong. I like the turn on spilling it back on him. I'll have to read a little Bukowski, search him and understand how his words fear him. Thought provoking as usual Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I would imagine they do....thank you, Bill.
j.

[Sami Khalil]

Merry Christmas sir Jacob and Happy upcoming New Years.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

same to you, Sami,
j.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome sir Jacob.................

[Cherrie]

...P.S. love the title ...

[Sami Khalil]

I think people (readers) admire or like the writer that reflects their personality, perspectives, values, preferences, ideals, personal effects on emotions, thinking and so forth.
Don't care for him or the beat poets like the others said.
I like yours...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Sami.
I like most of the Beats...but not him.
j.

[Sami Khalil]

OK......................

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Some men live with nature. They love her and treasure her. They live to protect her; not only for their sakes but for the sake of coming generations. Certain poets love life and that love fills their poetry. “The good writers touch life often. The mediocre ones run a quick hand over her. The bad ones rape her and leave her for the flies.” Ray Bradbury So it is with poets and the written word I think. But an evil man cannot honestly pull goodness from his heart or from his words. So, either he is a sham or a literary miscreant. Neither translates into my ideal of what poetry should be; an uplifting of the heart, mind and spirit. But what do I know? I'm just a poet. But in my opinion there are far to many harpies feeding on the feast and not enough cooks preparing or enough guests enjoying the banquet. I'm reminded of a favorite movie of mine, Auntie Mame, where the protagonist tells her nephew these words. "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death." I'm inclined to agree. If the "tortured artist" exists, he should probably just suffer those slings and arrows and keep his mouth shut. Not a fan of CB or many of the "beat" poets. I like some of McKuen's work. CB wanted to emphasize the meanness of the human spirit in desperation but seemingly failed to notice or appreciate the beautiful, the fragile and the divine in those same souls. It's a very tell-tale introspection since the treasury of our hearts becomes the well of our writing. Just my thoughts. I enjoyed the read.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really appreciate your response here, Fabian....love your honesty...
I was weaned on the Beats and like many of them...but not people or poets like Bukowski...the poor tortured artist, who is actually an abusive artist.
You are definitely a poet who sees the beauty of life.
j.