25 Bums in Rags Summary

Kathy is Bukowski's lover, whom he claims to have "dug out of a gin mill" on Alvarado St. and kept "in furs and hundred proof" ever since. She happily fetches him alcohol and cigars on demand. When Bukowski suggests that she will bed the slobbering "old guy next door" as soon as he leaves for the track, Kathy throws a book at his head, drawing blood. Kathy consoles him when he loses $500 and is forced to take a humiliating job delivering newspapers in their neighborhood, helps him to get the job done before neighbors wake up and see, and helps him laugh off the fact that he is paid only $3 for their efforts. When Bukowski wins $140, Kathy makes meatloaf and fetches him whiskey, beer, and cigars.

25 Bums in Rags Analysis

This story shows Henry Bukowski gambling away his safety...