sifting through the madness for the word, the line, the way: New Poems

One of the most recognizable poets of the last century, Charles Bukowski is simultaneously a common man and an icon of urban depravity. He uses strong, blunt language to describe life as he lives it, and through it all charts the mutations of morality in modern America.

Sifting Through the Madness for the Word, the Line, the Way is a treasure trove of confessional poetry written towards then end of Bukowski’s life. With the overhang of failing health and waning fame, he reflects on his travels, his gambling and drinking, working, not working, sex and love, eating, cats, and more.

Sifting Through is Bukowski at his most meditative – published posthumously, it’s completely non-performative, and gets to the heart of Bukowski’s lifelong pursuit of natural language and raw honesty.

We recommend you read this as Bukowski wrote: by sifting through the madness for what hits you as the word, the line, the way.

In these final poems, the legendary Los Angeles poet holds nothing back.

• Posthumous Poetry Collection: Published after his death, these poems offer a final, meditative look back on a life spent gambling, drinking, and writing.
• Raw Honesty: Completely non-performative, Bukowski strips away the icon to reveal the man, reflecting on everything from his cats to his mortality with unflinching candor.
• Dirty Realism: Finds the profound in the profane, using blunt, powerful language to capture the grit of urban life and the struggles of the common man.
• Accessible Literary Voice: The culmination of a lifelong pursuit of natural language, making this a perfect entry point for new readers and a treasure for longtime fans.

from "neither Shakespeare nor Mickey Spillane"

young young young, only wanting the Word,
going mad in the streets and in the bars,
brutal fights, broken glass, crazy women
screaming in
your cheap room,
you a familiar guest at the drunk tank, North
Avenue 21, Lincoln Heights

sifting through the madness for the Word, the
line
the way,
hoping for a check from somewhere,
dreaming of a letter from a great editor:
"Chinaski, you don't know how long we've beenwaiting for you!"

no chance at all.