Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Sickness" by Charles Bukowski humorously explores the anxieties and eccentricities that accompany the creative process, particularly the fear of losing one's work to unforeseen circumstances. Through the lens of a poet who has just penned what he considers to be several good poems, Bukowski delves into the paranoia that grips the creative mind, the value placed on these creations, and the eventual, almost begrudging acceptance of their worth.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing concern not for the potential loss of his house to a fire, but for the five or six poems that might burn up along with it. This prioritization highlights the immense value that the speaker places on his creative output, elevating the importance of the poems above material possessions. Bukowski captures the essence of a writer's attachment to their work, portraying these creations as precious entities that warrant protection at all costs.

The fear of an ex-girlfriend stealing or destroying the poems introduces another layer of anxiety, illustrating the personal vulnerabilities and the external threats that can endanger one's creative work. This scenario also adds a touch of humor and relatability, as the speaker considers the various ways in which his poems could be compromised, not just by disaster but by the actions of others who have been part of his life.

Bukowski's depiction of the speaker's drunken efforts to hide the poems, only to forget their whereabouts, injects a comedic absurdity into the narrative. This sequence of drinking, hiding, forgetting, and searching becomes a ritualistic dance that underscores the chaotic nature of the creative process and the lengths to which the speaker will go to safeguard his work. The admission that he might be "more clever at hiding poems than at writing them" is a self-deprecating nod to the irrationality of his actions and the obsessive-compulsive tendencies that can accompany artistic creation.

The eventual discovery of the poems, followed by a sense of disappointment in their quality, reflects the cycle of highs and lows that define the creative experience. The speaker's decision to send the poems out for publication despite his reservations is a testament to the need for artistic expression to be shared, regardless of the creator's doubts. The mention of the poems possibly appearing in a "little magazine" with a modest circulation highlights the often-understated impact of creative work, suggesting that the value of artistic expression lies not in widespread recognition but in the act of creation itself.

"The Sickness" is a meta-poetic commentary on the neuroses, rituals, and emotional investments that underpin the act of writing poetry. Through this candid exploration of the creative process, Bukowski reveals the complex relationship between a writer and their work, characterized by fear, obsession, and ultimately, a begrudging acceptance of one's own artistic endeavors. The poem, with its blend of humor and insight, serves as a reminder of the universal challenges and rewards of creative expression, inviting readers to reflect on their own creative anxieties and the lengths to which they would go to preserve their work.

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