E17: Roll The Dice - Charles Bukowski

Charles Bukowski - Roll The Dice

Written: ca. 1970-1990

Published in: What Matters Most Is How Well You Walk Through the Fire (1999)

Theme:

“Roll the Dice” by Charles Bukowski is one of the most motivational poems in American History. During the 1950-60s people were headed on the path of being different. Whether that meant listening to different music or growing long hair, each poem is telling the people that if you are going to do something go all the way, or else there is no point in doing it. Being different is something that can not be done if you are not willing to go all the way. Bukowski makes a strong statement by saying “do it, do it, do it. do it.” This is one of the most powerful quotes from the poem, that showed people not to have fear, and to take the risk." (grade10americanpoetry.com, 2022)

 

Poem:

if you’re going to try, go all theway.otherwise, don’t even start.

if you’re going to try, go all theway.this could mean losing girlfriends,wives, relatives, jobs andmaybe your mind.

go all the way.it could mean not eating for 3 or 4 days.it could mean freezing on apark bench.it could mean jail,it could mean derision,mockery,isolation.isolation is the gift,all the others are a test of yourendurance, ofhow much you really want todo it.and you’ll do itdespite rejection and the worst oddsand it will be better thananything elseyou can imagine.

if you’re going to try,go all the way.there is no other feeling likethat.you will be alone with the godsand the nights will flame withfire.

do it, do it, do it.do it.

all the wayall the way.

you will ride life straight toperfect laughter, itsthe only good fightthere is.

 

Credits: Charles Bukowski, 1999 What Matters Most Is How Well You Walk Through the Fire

Support the show