Books Quote by Charles Bukowski
““just waiting is the worst. nothing worse than waiting just waiting. always hated to wait. what’s there about waiting that’s so intolerable? —like you’re waiting for me to finish this poem and I don’t know exactly how so I won’t. —so, if you happen to read this in a magazine or a book just rip the page out tear it up and that’s the graceful way to end this poem once and for all.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Untitled, 1970s, manuscript fragment
Waiting creates unbearable tension, stifling creativity and purpose, prompting destructive impulses.
In simple terms: Waiting feels intolerable and suffocating.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge impatience and channel it constructively.
Themes
impatience
creativity
frustration
Mood
irritated
urgent
defiant
Type
poetic
confessional
When to use this quote
- writing
- personal reflection
- performance art
- public expression
Key Concepts
existential angst
self‑destruction
Questions to Reflect On
- What does waiting reveal about your desires?
- How can you transform impatience into motivation?
A Different Perspective
Waiting can be productive if reframed as anticipation rather than stagnation.
