how come you're not unlisted?

the men phone and ask me that.

are you really Charles Bukowski

the writer? they ask.

I'm a sometimes writer, I say,

most often I don't do anything.

listen, they ask, I like your

stuff-- do you mind if I come

over and bring a couple of 6

packs?

you can bring them, I say

if you don't come in. . .

when the women phone, I say,

o yes, I write, I'm a writer

only I'm not writing right now.

I feel foolish phoning you,

they say, and I was surprised

to find you listed in the phone book.

I have reasons, I say,

by the way why don't you come over

for a beer?

you wouldn't mind?

and they arrive

handsome women

good of mind and body and eye.

often there isn't sex

but I'm used to that

yet it's good

very good just to look at them--

and some rare times

I have unexpected good luck

otherwise.

for a man of 55 who didn't get laid

until he was 23

and not very often until he was 50

I think that I should stay listed

via Pacific Telephone

until I get as much as

the average man has had.

of course, I'll have to keep

writing immortal poems

but the inspiration is there.