Ezra Pound - T.S. Elliot - James Joyce - Yates - DH Laurence

I can't claim to be so erudite that I understand how to read poetry as sophisticated as the greats. I think I'm close to getting Hardy's poems from the library one day, but for the moment, I only really enjoy Bukowski as I see a bit of myself in him and a bit of Charles in me. Maybe when I'm an old git, I'll turn to the grown up stuff. I shouldn't be writing this much.

Do you know how all the names are connected including Eustace Mullins?

Charles Bukowski - The Last Night of the Earth Poems

In 2011 I read Charles Bukowski's Post Office and it was brilliant. He's like Orwell, not an extraneous word in the house.... and then I never read him again.

I'm always looking for an excuse to go to Southampton Central Library even though I've got a stack of books outstanding to read on my shelves. I finally remembered Bukowski and dropped by only to find out that the one book they had was overdue for months out on loan, probably never to come back. Would you like this one, the librarian asked.

The Last Night Of The Earth Poems. 

I made a face. I've never had much luck with poetry. OK I'll give it a try, and I walked out with one of the best books I've ever read.

There's no point going on about it when you can find out for yourself. It was a peerless companion in the pub with Ruddles and joints. It's impossible not to like Bukowski. 

Quarter Jewish, Nazi, Ugly, Funny, Sharp, Filthy, Bum, Gambler, Alcoholic, Loser..... Winner of words and meter.

Philosopher

I laughed out loud on my own many times.

If I get sent to Belmarsh, I'll be alright with just this one book.

I Heart Monsanto

I don't agree with Dusty but he makes good arguments against some anti Monsanto myths and we should be better at arguing against the corporatization of monocrop foods. Prepare to be annoyed but do something about it. Learn more.

Charles Bukowski

I finished off Bukowski's Post Office yesterday. It's as near flawless a book as I've ever read and I greatly enjoyed rereading it. Aside from Bukowski's signature simplicity which in some ways is close to Orwell's loathing of unnecessary complex words the commentary is very much one of mechanized, process driven 'scientific process' America. Where clocking in and clocking out, and how to stand during coffee breaks leads to an extraordinary goverment agency regulating the most trivial of tasks through nauseous bureaucracy.

I'm always struck how bureaucrats are never fingered for having no other option than to create more rules to justify their existence. The only option as I see it, is to fire them not keep them busy. Indeed their job function should include a larger bonus the quicker they can achieve their goal and lose their jobs. In an ideal world bureaucrats would be a free floating army like the Chinese migrant workers assembling as swat teams when anything became so dysfunctional that change was needed without the commitment to regulating that change ad infinitum.

I laughed loud more than once rereading the following passage where he is reminded of the awesome security benefits in working for the Post Office

Security? You could get security in jail. Three squares and no rent to pay, no utilities, no income tax, no child support. No license plate fees. No traffic tickets. No drunk driving raps. No losses at the race track. Free medical attention. Comradeship with those with similar interests. Church. Roundeye. Free burial.