‘The Bluebird’ by Charles Bukowski was originally published in his 1992 anthology The Last Night of the Earth Poems.
Bukowski uses the American songbird as a metaphor for vulnerable emotions, explaining how he has attempted to trap the bluebird within his heart, unable or unwilling let it out. When the poet says “I am too strong for him”, it implies his masculinity is at risk of seeming weak if he exposes the bluebird within him, and uses alcohol, amorous women, and cigarettes to dull the pain of keeping the bluebird hidden in his heart.
This heart-achingly beautiful poem has had some equally beautiful animation added by Cambridge School of Art student Monika Umba, really bringing the poem to life.
Birmingham Poet, Benjamin Zephaniah dies, aged 65
December 7, 2023
Birmingham Poet, Benjamin Zephaniah dies, aged 65
The Bard of Birmingham, described as a “titan of British literature” Benjamin Zephaniah has tragically…
QUIZ! On a Poet’s Birthday – Remember by Christina Rossetti
December 22, 2021
QUIZ! On a Poet’s Birthday – Remember by Christina Rossetti
My New Year’s Resolution for 2021 was to read more poetry. So, this new series…
Listen to Alfred, Lord Tennyson Read ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ on Wax Cylinder
Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote The Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854 after reading a…
Undiscovered Edward Lear Poem Found In Private Collection
Poetry written by Edward Lear has been discovered hidden away within a private collection. The…
Rare books going to auction includes poetry by enslaved woman
An "extremely rare" book of poetry written by an enslaved woman is up for auction.…
Will artificially intelligent generated prose threaten poets’ livelihoods?
Artificial intelligence has been taught how to write poetry after being provided with thousands of…