What if Charles Bukowski Had Invited Those Kids in — Instead of Beating Them Up?
Written in response to “Independence Day” by Charles Bukowski
He was drunk; they were kids throwing firecrackers on the 4th,
while Lily his whore, lay grieving in bed.
“Will I ever see Ronnie and Lila again?” she moans.
Every mother longs for her children, especially on holidays.
Chuck is tired of hearing it. She has been crying all night.
So when the 10-year-old pulls out a knife, he is ready to fight.
On this Fourth let’s remember the drunks, the whores, the orphans.
Instead of telling them to “Go git your Dad!” when there is no father to be had, invite them in, into your mess of a life. Serve them hot dogs and a lesson on how not to live. Introduce them to Lilly;
make a family of those who are willing.
Lilly would rise up, pull on a tattered robe, give a toothless smile
and offer them some frank ‘n beans she has been saving
under the bed for just such an occasion.
DeShawn and Tanika would stand awkwardly in the doorway.
