Chinaski Tuesdays

When stress assails me with tsunami force, I like to read Bukowski. His perspective reminds me that there is no joy without pain, and any pain I experience just deepens my ability to appreciate beauty. That means, that in a weird way, pain is beautiful, too, if for nothing more than the gift of depth it imparts. In light of this, I hereby institute Chinaski Tuesdays. Every Tuesday, until I forget or am too lazy, I will post a Bukowski poem. Enjoy.

a child's bedtime story

unsaid, said the snail.
untold, said the tortoise.
doesn't matter, said the tiger.
obey me, said the father.
be loyal, said the country.
watch me climb, said the vine.
doesn't matter, said the tiger.
untold, said the tortoise.
unsaid, said the snail.
I'll run, said the mouse.
I'll hide, said the cat.
I'll fly, said the sparrow.
I'll swim, said the whale.
obey and be loyal, said the
father and
everybody shut up! roared the
Queen.

the night came and all
the lights went out
as the cities
burned.

now, go to
sleep.