on the shoulders of giants

Summary

The author recounts their journey of poetic discovery, from the playful verses of Ogden Nash to the profound impact of Charles Bukowski's raw and unapologetic writing style.

Abstract

The author's initial encounter with poetry was through the whimsical works of Ogden Nash, which provided a refreshing contrast to the dryness of academic texts during their college years. However, it was post-education that the author experienced genuine learning, particularly after a serendipitous meeting with the writings of Charles Bukowski in a bookstore. Bukowski, whose book "Slouching Toward Nirvana" caught the author's eye, became a significant influence on their writing. The author acknowledges adopting elements of Bukowski's style, yet recognizes that Bukowski's indifference to being read is part of his allure. The essay concludes by emphasizing the personal nature of Bukowski's writing, which was not for the sake of an audience but a true expression of self.

Opinions

The author holds Ogden Nash in high regard for his ability to entertain and engage through playful and candid rhymes.
The author values authentic learning experiences that occur outside the confines of formal education.
Charles Bukowski is revered by the author for his unfiltered and defiant approach to writing.
The author believes that Bukowski's disinterest in being read paradoxically enhances the appeal and authenticity of his work.
The author appreciates Bukowski's writing as a pure form of self-expression, rather than a performance for an audience.

on the shoulders of giants

my first real introduction to poetry were the writings of Ogden Nash immortal spinner of rhymes playful candid whimsical even

“Candy is dandy But liquor is quicker”

the perfect harvard dropout introduced to me my freshman year entertaining me when the dribble inside the textbooks could not

but it was after my formal education that real honest learning began

i met a god while stoned midday walking aimlessly in between bars on the new streets in a new town

we met in a bookstore

he was behind the counter on the shelf crammed in the high corner just leaning there alone yet seemingly content

Slouching Toward Nirvana the words on the spine read

that was my introduction to my master

bukowski

who’s style i have stolen partially

i’m sure he wouldn’t mind probably he wouldn’t care

one thing i do know he defiantly wouldn’t read it

but that was the magic that drew me to him in the first place

he didn’t write for me or you or anyone for the matter

he just wrote

the greatest lesson he never taught

on the shoulders of giants

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A Dreadful Scene

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