Customer Reviews

The Days Run Away Like Wild Horses over the Hills

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This collection of poetry is perhaps Bukowski's finest. It marks a significant transitional period in his work, from the earlier imagist poems--more clearly "poetic" in form and content--to the later style for which he is best known and loved--the raucous, colloquial, hard-boiled pieces that rendered the distinction between prose and poetry seemingly null. The book's opening piece exemplifies this new style and Bukowski's new poetic persona. "What a Man I Was" tells the story of a wild western outlaw who terrorizes a small town and is then hung from the gallows. He is misunderstood, vulgar, and reviled. When the outlaw swings from the gallows, he doesn't express fear, hatred, sorrow, self-pity, regret or uncertainty. He is a staunch materialist who looks at a woman's breasts, mouth watering. The best poems in this collection are those written for Jane Cooney, who died prematurely from a life of serious drinking. These poems betray an affection and tenderness that is typically absent from Bukowski's work and which is often obscured by the hard-boiled exterior of his persona.

This book is Bukowski's finest collection of poetry ever published. As with all prolific writers, Buk's books often come with more filler than sustenance- that is not the case here. The poems written for/about Jane highlight his most soulful collection. The usual mask of nonchalance has been stripped away, along with the chains of his self-created tough guy/barfly image. The tenderness and warmth are unfiltered by his masculine facade. Moving, desolate, and often humorous, this book is nearly flawless. It is written in such a way that anyone can read and understand. It isn't written in a flowery, deeply symbolic style that makes younger readers hate poetry. This book is from the heart, mind and fists of a man who has loved, suffered, hated and laughed. Anyone who has done likewise should be able to appreciate the raw beauty presented within. Make no mistake, the alcoholism, sex and madness that made Bukowski famous are all represented here as well. This is the book to read if you are interested in the most three-dimensional portrayal of the late poet.

This is actually a collection originally published in 1969. Bukowski is a great writer simply because he can relate the humorous and the tragic with the same skill. sometimes in the same poem. sit around on a warm afternoon and read these out loud with your friends. you won't feel lame for laughing.

I believe this is the best poetry book written by Buk. Mabye the best of all his books. But the special thing about his work, is that you can't really seperate the books, but need to see them all as one-lifes-work! There are bad poens, and bad stories, and uninteresting ones, but there are so much good stuff too! And the novels allso arent allways perfect, sole works ... they glide in to the big picture. read the first 1/3 of post-office ... some of the stories in "south of no north, read poetry books like this one + "Play the piano..." "Mockingbird..." "Last night of the earth poems" and when you have finished, just keep reading all the rest as well! (Book no. 7 should be "Ham on rye")

Typical Buk poetry, which for most is superior stuff. Not as good in my opinion as Play the Piano... but an excellent collection. If you're just starting out on Bukowski and like his writing, he also writes some cool fiction.

One poem here, "No Grounding In The Classics," makes it worth the price of admission all on its own. Puts genius in the proper perspective in the funniest, most searing, self-deflating few lines I've ever read. Among the ten best little narratives the man ever wrote.

I agree with the other reviewer. Contains some of Bukowski's best. Worth buying and keeping for additional readings.

Read everything written by Chuck B! Bukowski will make you wonder why it takes the average writer/poet so long to say so little

This is a great collection. The "Jane" poems alone are worth the price of admission, but there is much, much more here for your consideration.

READ BUKOWSKI AND LIVE!

Published the year I was born, this is the first book of Buk poetry I bought (first of many) and it will always have a special place in my heart as a result. Buk was one of the pivotal authors for me, the big guys who kicked my head in and changed the way I looked at the world. Beginning with the amazing title (boy, does he ever have the best titles) The Days Run Away... is packed with great lines, images, wry smiles and many, many classic Buk moments... after having read practically everything he wrote up to his death (still haven't looked at his posthumous stuff) The Days Run Away still stands up. If you think poetry is strictly for college profs and eng lit types, pick up a copy of this and prepare to be blown away.