Charles Bukowski — People

A translucent golden model of a small bird skeleton stands beside a pale feather on a cream surface. — Original artwork

flesh covers the bone and the flesh searches for more than flesh.

Charles Bukowski

Painterly small acorn beside a curled golden oak leaf on a moss-green surface. — Original artwork

Overhead my spirit flies Upon the ground and crimson skies Whispering winds in moonlit woods A totem oak once golden stood.

Charles Bukowski

A wilted pale flower rests on an empty wooden chair in a softly lit blue room. — Original artwork

the best often die by their own hand just to get away, and those left behind can never quite understand why anybody would ever want to get away from them

Charles Bukowski

A miniature acoustic guitar leans against blue and orange cardboard stars on a peach surface. — Original artwork

the goldfish sing all night with guitars, and the whores go down with the stars, the whores go down with the stars

Charles Bukowski

Torn dusty-rose paper heart beside a folded gray paper bird and loose scraps — Original artwork

there’s a bluebird in my heart that wants to get out but I’m too tough for him, I say, stay in there, I’m not going to let anybody see you.

Charles Bukowski

Painterly school desks receding into swirling dark violet mist. — Original artwork

the schoolyard was a horror show: the bullies, the dragons, the freaks

Charles Bukowski

A split lump of coal with a small silver rocket inside and a matchstick ladder leaning against it. — Original artwork

unless it comes out of your soul like a rocket, unless being still would drive you to madness or suicide or murder, don’t do it. unless the sun inside you is burning your gut, don’t do it.

Charles Bukowski