"So Now?" by Charles Bukowski is a poem that reflects on the passage of time and the human experience of growing older. The poem begins with the speaker asking, "So now?" as if to say, "So, where are we now?" The speaker reflects on the changes and challenges that have marked their life so far, and they wonder what the future holds. The poem captures the sense of uncertainty and questioning that can come with aging, as the speaker wonders what they have accomplished and what they still have left to do. The poem also touches on themes of regret and longing, as the speaker looks back on their life and wishes they had done things differently. Despite the sense of uncertainty and longing that pervades the poem, the speaker also expresses a sense of resilience and determination, as they vow to keep fighting and to make the most of whatever time they have left.

Read by Tom O'Bedlam.