dandwlee

John Keats is recognized as one of the principal poets of the English Romantic movement. Young and idealistic, he only lived 25 years, but created an international impact. Charles Bukowski made it to 73. His old and wise literary influence may not compare to Keats, but I see a balance. If you read Keats, you should also read some Bukowski.

Keats - I have two luxuries to brood over in my walks, your loveliness and the hour of my death. O that I could have possession of them both in the same minute.

Bukowski - "It's possible to love a human being if you don't know them too well."

Keats - I have been astonished that men could die martyrs for religion - I have shuddered at it. I shudder no more - I could be martyred for my religion - Love is my religion - I could die for that.

Bukowski - "If you're losing your soul and you know it, then you've still got a soul left to lose."

Keats - 'Beauty is truth, truth beauty,' - that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.

Bukowski - "Sex is interesting, but it's not totally important. I mean it's not even as important (physically) as excretion. A man can go seventy years without a piece of ass, but he can die in a week without a bowel movement."