Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Too Hot" by Charles Bukowski paints a vivid picture of a sweltering night, capturing the physical discomfort and existential weariness that can accompany extreme heat. This poem, characteristic of Bukowski's direct and unvarnished style, explores themes of isolation, the mundane aspects of existence, and the small mercies that can be found in uncomfortable situations.

The opening lines immediately establish the setting and mood: "I am here courtesy of life, / sitting tonight, stiff-necked, weary; / 95 degrees now." Bukowski situates himself as a reluctant participant in life's ongoing drama, enduring the discomforts that come with it. The specificity of the temperature underscores the oppressive heat, setting the stage for a meditation on discomfort and its effects on the human spirit.

The poem then moves to describe the behavior of the cats, "the cats will not come in," and the absence of "gunfire in the streets," painting a picture of a world subdued by the heat, where even the usual urban chaos has been quieted. The phrase "this whole town is roasting its ass" injects a dose of Bukowski's trademark humor into the depiction of the heatwave, while "the devils in Hell are sweaty" personifies the heat in a way that blurs the lines between the earthly and the infernal.

Bukowski touches on the impact of the heat on human relationships and activities, noting that "there is screwing only in air-conditioned rooms." This line highlights how physical discomfort can intrude upon intimacy, reducing passion to a luxury afforded only by technology. The mention of the time, "one a.m.," along with "no sleep, no dreams," captures the restlessness and insomnia that often accompany hot nights, further emphasizing the theme of discomfort.

The poem's atmosphere is amplified by the "music from the radio" that "limps through the air," suggesting that even the music is affected by the heat, unable to provide its usual solace or escape. This detail underscores the all-encompassing nature of the heat, its capacity to permeate and alter every aspect of the night.

Bukowski finds a silver lining in the heat-induced silence, "even the dismally lonely forget to phone." Here, the heat serves as a temporary reprieve from the poet's usual interactions with loneliness and despair, offering a peculiar form of solace in the form of isolation.

The poem concludes on a note that mixes resignation with a darkly comic appreciation for the small reprieves that the situation offers: "at least the surgeon's knife is not at work." This line suggests that, despite the discomfort, there are worse fates than enduring a hot night. The mention of "the flies zoom through the fettered space" and the acknowledgment that there's "no need to / continue writing this dripping wet poem" bring the poem to a close with a shrug, accepting the oppressive heat as yet another facet of existence to be endured.

"Too Hot" is a testament to Bukowski's ability to find meaning and humor in life's discomforts. Through his depiction of a sweltering night, he invites readers to reflect on the ways in which physical conditions affect our lives, relationships, and creative expressions, all while maintaining a perspective that balances cynicism with a grudging acceptance of life's absurdities.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Il_grande/M_nE4jrrCxMC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=TOO%20HOT

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