Well, it does sort of have to do with Bukowski, but only indirectly...

[Black Coffee]

My question to the board is about copyright laws and such. I'm working on a non-fiction short story and I wanted to quote Bukowski from the poem "Some People" when he says "some people never go crazy. what truly horrible lives they must lead."
Does anyone know if I'm allowed to do this, either in the text of the story or just as a quote at the beginning that leads the story in? Any and all help and info is appreciated.

 

[CarversDog]

Yes, that quote falls into what the copyright laws call Fair Use (look up the phrase on Google if you need further information), particularly if you use it to advance an original creative thought, in which case you are fully protected.

 

[Black Coffee]

Thank you so much. I'm still fuzzy on all allowances and restrictions regarding Fair Use, so your help and explanation is greatly appreciated.