Go Forth, Seniors and Sophomores READ ONLY

... and buy Levi's?

I don't think so.

The latest Levi's Go Forth! commercial has sparked controversy, containing a myriad of conflicting images of rugged individualism, revolution, and sex. Sounds like just the perfect recipe to lure young, hip, adults back to the Levi brand.

The words recited in the ad, are another thing. They make up a poem by 20th century poet Charles Bukowski, the Time magazine Christened "laureate of American lowlife." The poem encourages its reader to "be on the watch" for those who would club you into dank submission, but also for the gods who will offer you chances to beat "death in life."

You can find the poem and video below, and decide yourself if you like either one by itself, or the curious combination of the two.

The Laughing Heart by Charles Bukowski

your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out.
there is a light somewhere.
it may not be much light but
it beats the darkness.
be on the watch.
the gods will offer you chances.
know them.
take them.
you can’t beat death but
you can beat death in life, sometimes.
and the more often you learn to do it,
the more light there will be.
your life is your life.
know it while you have it.
you are marvelous
the gods wait to delight
in you.