The bluebird is a symbol of emotional vulnerability within the poem. Bukowski writes of the bluebird’s desperation to escape from the confines of his heart and be in the outside world, but he is too afraid that anybody will see the bluebird and thus, his vulnerability. The bird is a proxy for his fears of being perceived by others and becomes a reason that he consumes alcohol and pursues short term relationships so he can numb himself to this fear.