Biker poetry

Biker poetry is a movement of poetry that grew out of the uniquely American lifestyle of the biker. The biker culture can be further explored when researching the subject of motorcycle clubs's and has grown considerably since its birth following World War II. Some argue that biker poetry is a genre, while many state it is a movement that includes many genres. The one thing generally agreed upon is that there are many bikers writing about the "biker lifestyle" using poetic verse. Hunter S. Thompson is credited by some with playing no small part in the genus by popularizing a literary movement that focused on the biker lifestyle when he released Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs

Biker Poetry is similar to cowboy poetry in that it reflects a romantic lifestyle unique to the America’s. Verse will often focus on the loneliness or camaraderie associated with motorcycling, the day to day affairs of maintenance on the motorcycle, personal problems within a family that lives a biker lifestyle as well as substance abuse and its relation to some bikers. The “freedom of the road” motorcycling offers however; appears to be the most popular theme. Another fashionable subject of both pros and poetry would be the "One Percenters" and the experiences of the "outlaw biker" lifestyle but most of the vernacular references. "Ninety-Nine Percenters," who represent the majority of riders choosing to live substantially on the right side of the law. Both groups are often identified within motorcycle clubs.

Unlike cowboy poetry, biker poetry embraces many forms and elements of poetry. Fixed verse, free verse, folk song, Concrete poetry, Poetry slam and even a form of Haiku called "Baiku" are seen in the movement.

Some examples of experimental verse are known in biker poetry. Authors Colorado T. Sky and K Peddlar Bridges have provided many a verse outside of the norm, but the fact remains that most biker poets stay within more classical guidelines, especially rhyming verse.

As the popularity of motorcycling spreads, so does the popularity of biker poetry. The Highway Poets Motorcycle Club enjoys an international membership including the U.S, Canada, Europe and Asia.

Biker Poetry may also be referred to as “motorcycle poetry” but the former term is the most widely used to describe the movement, and while it is most common to find biker poetry authored by the "stereotypical biker" it is often written by enthusiasts of the sport who do not live what would be considered a classic biker lifestyle. Poetry from this quarter is often of a high quality. Many classic poets, such as Diane Wakoskiwith her collection known as "The motorcycle betrayal poems" turn verse to their experience with motorcycles, thus writing or performing “biker poetry.”

Biker Poetry is gaining in popularity turning up in your local café’, street corners, online video and radio. The genre is a regular feature in many motorcycle magazines and motorcycle rally’s

Typical themes of biker poetry

• Motorcycle maintenance and the problems associated with equipment malfunctions
• Interactions with cars and trucks also referred to as “cages.”
• The freedom, emotions and sensations’ associated with riding a motorcycle
• Biker values and practices
• Humorous anecdotes
• Love of ones partner and/or family
• Memories of times and personalities in the culture
• The conflicts and tragedies associated with highway incidents.

The following is a verse from Wild Bill the Alaskan Biker Poet's poem "A Motorcycle Seat", which exhibits traditional biker poetry themes:

Many stories have been told of bikers and their bikes

By poets, writers, prosecutors, liars and the likes.

But it's doubtful that you've heard this story I repeat

With a Bar, Bikers, Beer and a motorcycle seat

Pseudonyms

One rather interesting quality of many biker poets is their use of pseudonyms. "The Holy Ranger" aka Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum, "Wild Bill, the Alaskan Biker Poet" aka William B Rogers, "Ironhorse Writer" aka Laurence P. Scerri, "Gypsypashn" aka Betsy Lister, "Biker Jer" aka Jerry Sawinski, "Joe Go" aka Jose Gouveia and many more. Bikers often carry a pseudonym within the culture. The name may carry with it a quality either real or imagined and in many cases, friends and associates will not even be aware of the individuals’ given name."

Prominent biker poets

• Dr. Martin Jack Ronsenblum
• Laurence P. Scerri
• Jose Gouveia
• Colorado T. Sky
• K Peddlar Bridges
• J. Barrett Wolf
• “Wild Bill” Rogers
• Eddie “Sorez” the Scribe
• Gypsypashn
• Bob "Bikerwolf" Bryant

External links

• The Highway Poets Motorcycle Club
• Biker Poets and Writers Association
• Road Poets of New York
• Wild Bill’s Culture Corner
• Ironhorse Writer - American Biker Poet