What Can We Do? - Charles Bukowski

I suspect this question gets tossed around quite a bit these days; and if it is not tossed around publicly, then it is likely embedded in the hearts and minds of many.

What can we do?

Readers of this blog already know my answer to this question.

Nevertheless, having decided upon an answer - my answer - does not preclude me from considering the answers of others.

Charles Bukowski's answer is a remarkably bleak one; nonetheless, it contains a few, faint nuggets of hope, particularly toward the end.

Bukowski was a self-professed atheist, but his insights into life were occasionally more Christian than the insights most self-professed Christians broadcast. 

Note: I apologize in advance for the awful background music in this clip; unfortunately, this was the only recording I could find for this 'poem.' 

What Can We Do?

at their best, there is gentleness in Humanity.
some understanding and, at times, acts of
courage
but all in all it is a mass, a glob that doesn't
have too much.
it is like a large animal deep in sleep and
almost nothing can awaken it.
when activated it's best at brutality,
selfishness, unjust judgments, murder.

what can we do with it, this Humanity?

nothing.

avoid the thing as much as possible.
treat it as you would anything poisonous, vicious
and mindless.
but be careful. it has enacted laws to protect
itself from you.
it can kill you without cause.
and to escape it you must be subtle.
few escape.

it's up to you to figure a plan.

I have met nobody who has escaped.

I have met some of the great and
famous but they have not escaped
for they are only great and famous within
Humanity.

I have not escaped
but I have not failed in trying again and
again.
​
before my death I hope to obtain my
life.