The Icecream People by Charles Bukowski (read by Tom O'Bedlam)

It would be hard to prove that substituting icecream for booze has any health benefits. Except, of course, as a cure for Brewer's Droop. It could be called, "The Power of Placebo."
I realised that I had to pronounce "Clerk" like an American. A British soldier, a driver, told me that he visited an American camp to pick up an officer. While he waited he made idle conversation with the Desk Sergeant, who asked him what he did in civilian life. "I was a Bookmaker's Clerk" he replied. "A clerk?" said the Sergeant, "ain't that one of those things that goes tick-tock?"
I once read that you're an alcoholic if you get 30% of your calories from alcohol. That's surprisingly easy to do. You don't even need to get drunk. A bottle of wine or a cupful of spirits or 3 large cans of strong beer are each more than 500 calories' worth of alcohol.

[@sunnycheba]

"I feel like a leper in a beauty contest." You see why he is so awesome. How few words he needs for his sentences. He wastes nothing.

[@getupanddosomething]

I really love this poem. I've been through my rough patches in life, and there were times when I felt like I would never fit in with the Icecream People. I was skeptical of their happiness, out of ignorance of course, and it makes me feel really good knowing that someone else has seen the world that way. Thank you for your reading, and for introducing this poem to me.

[@BullittMcQueen1]

The best advertisement for Baskin Robbins I have ever heard. :)

[@vudu8ball]

Thank you for this. i am a big Bukowski fan. I have ambiguous feelings about this poem. It is so gentle compared to his earlier work. He would never have gotten famous writing tender stuff like this. The 4.500 dark nights have taken their toll but still I am happy for him if in the end he found some peace.

[@thetorrance3897]

I love Mr Bukowskis' writing.......so inspiring

[@freebirg]

THERE IS USE FOR THE PECKER! haha. But seriously, this is an amazing poem.

[@crystalnolan4073]

This is the most ..... i dont know.... just perfect. That is what it is. Perfect

[@dalimadison1]

wish i could hear Buk recite this one...........

[@wasteland70]

@lacchus Ice cream and beer? The last time I tried that, well, it didn't go well!!! LOL!!

[@MrJanitorialArts]

Christ that picture of the line makes my skin crawl. I'd be laying in bed with the farts all night if I ate that shit. Nice reading.

[@virginiarocket]

As someone who is also trying to stop drinking - I can hear the sadness in his voice - to me - at this time - the poem represents boredom and sadness...the frivolity of buying fluffy ice cream a stark contrast to what was his previous reality of drink. Drink seems almost more real. Ice cream sugary and unnecessary.

[@wasteland70]

@luckyycharrm I have problems with Bukowski's work, too. I do think that, on certain occasions he did capture a moment, he did write poems that are different and lovely. There is an elegance to some of his work. Is he the greatest poet ever, probably not. He did, however, capture a moment. And some of those moments are so sweet with emotion.

[@luckyycharrm]

@wasteland70 so great to find someone who agrees with me. I get what you mean.

[@luckyycharrm]

not a big fan of this poem. Its not artistic; its like a warm fussy story but what do i know. Great reading btw.