"The Icecream People" by Charles Bukowski (poetry reading)

[dalimadison1]

wish i could hear Buk recite this one...........

[cottageorgan]

Thank you for this and all your readings...Dear old Hank.

[freebirg]

THERE IS USE FOR THE PECKER! haha. But seriously, this is an amazing poem.

[virginiarocket]

As someone who is also trying to stop drinking - I can hear the sadness in his voice - to me - at this time - the poem represents boredom and sadness...the frivolity of buying fluffy ice cream a stark contrast to what was his previous reality of drink. Drink seems almost more real. Ice cream sugary and unnecessary.

[getupanddosomething]

I really love this poem. I've been through my rough patches in life, and there were times when I felt like I would never fit in with the Icecream People. I was skeptical of their happiness, out of ignorance of course, and it makes me feel really good knowing that someone else has seen the world that way. Thank you for your reading, and for introducing this poem to me.

[lacchus]

I've never heard this poem, but do enjoy Bukowski.  I tend to eat ice cream while drinking beer.

[wasteland70]

@lacchus Ice cream and beer? The last time I tried that, well, it didn't go well!!! LOL!!

[christopopYT]

As an Icecream Buff myself, I looooooove this poem.

[luckyycharrm]

not a big fan of this poem. Its not artistic; its like a warm fussy story but what do i know. Great reading btw.

[wasteland70]

@luckyycharrm I have problems with Bukowski's work, too. I do think that, on certain occasions he did capture a moment, he did write poems that are different and lovely. There is an elegance to some of his work. Is he the greatest poet ever, probably not. He did, however, capture a moment. And some of those moments are so sweet with emotion.

[luckyycharrm]

@wasteland70 so great to find someone who agrees with me. I get what you mean.

[ebhughes]

Brilliant....once again. Thnx.

[vudu8ball]

Thank you for this. i am a big Bukowski fan. I have ambiguous feelings about this poem. It is so gentle compared to his earlier work. He would never have gotten famous writing tender stuff like this. The 4.500 dark nights have taken their toll but still I am happy for him if in the end he found some peace.