The Last Night of the Earth Poems Paperback – May 31, 2002

Love the author

I'm not a poetry fanatic, but I'm trying to get into it. This was one of two books by Bukowski that I bought to do so (the other being You Get So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense). I found both very enjoyable and have moved on to read some of his other works since then. These were the first enjoyable books of poetry I'd read in my life. I would recommend them for anyone who is trying to get into poetry as a hobby, especially if (like me) you are not an English major or aspiring poet, and thus are more able to take these for what they are, rather than evaluate their literary merit from established standards. In other words, I connected with this book on a personal level, not an academic level, and I encourage you to read it if you would like to do so too.

This poetry book offered me an interesting take on the human condition and humanity. I really liked the book a lot.

This collection isn't for the faint-hearted; it's for those seeking an unvarnished look at life's complexities and contradictions. Overall, "Last Night of the Earth Poems" stands as a testament to Bukowski's mastery of the written word, appealing to readers who appreciate unflinchingly honest poetry that confronts the darker facets of life with a sharp, unfiltered lens.

Been wanting to read Bukowski for a while now. This seems to be a good intro to his poetry. Quick read. Recommend reading it at least twice. First to discover his voice. Next time, mark or highlight your favorites. Found some poems that I really did enjoy. Others were far from impressive. But that's how it goes, right? He is prolific though. With this book, I have grown more curious about other poetry compilations and his novels.

I never thought I'd give five stars to a book of poems. I don't dig poetry very much. I can read 150 poems and maybe like and relate to one or two of them a little bit. This is something very different. I've gone through less than half of this book but close to half, maybe over 100 poems and maybe 4 of them didn't floor me. I've always wanted to "get" poetry and finally I can say I dig/get it, but just this one guy can talk to me about the hell I see every time I open my eyes and force my feet to the floor and know I have to face another day of the ugly reality called humanity or kill myself (that takes guts) I've taken a lot of solace here in this book of poems and I know as long as I'm still here I'll be reading this again and again. I'm going to buy all his other books of poems now. Then I'll have a future of sorts.

If you enjoy his novels, you will enjoy these poems. Hitting on many of the themes in his other writings, these poems, seasoned by a look back at a life mostly behind him, permit the reader a sense for the wisdom of a man who lived a life remarkable for its down-to-earthness. The author reflects upon his own joys and shortcomings and, at the same time, makes it difficult for readers not to consider their own in a more honest fashion.

I believe we are all of us historians, but Bukowski took it to a whole new level. He hunted down the meaning of the day and stuffed it with simple verbage not unsatisfying to the soul. And, so versatile too. From grieving about leaving his wife to bear the sight of his dead body to a very strange day at the track, THE LAST NIGHT OF THE EARTH POEMS covers it all. Bukowski wrote about what he knew best: himself.