Biker poetry
Biker poetry [1][2] is a movement of poetry that grew out of the predominantly American lifestyle of the biker and motorcycle clubs following World War II.[3]
Background[edit]
Poets such as Hunter S. Thompson are credited with writing biker poetry, 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.
Overview[edit]
Biker poetry often embraces form, and may include fixed verse, free verse, folk song, concrete poetry, poetry slam and even "Baiku", a form of Haiku.[4] Notable biker poets include Diane Wakoski, who authored a collection known as The motorcycle betrayal poems. Writers such as Colorado T. Sky and K Peddlar Bridges work with experimental poetry, however the biker genre tends to work with form, especially rhyming verse. Groups such as The Highway Poets Motorcycle Club[5] have an international membership. The genre is a regular feature in many motorcycle magazines and motorcycle rallies.
Biker poets often use pseudonyms.[6] These include "The Holy Ranger" (Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum),[7] "Wild Bill, the Alaskan Biker Poet" (William B Rogers), "Ironhorse Writer" (Laurence P. Scerri), "Gypsypashn" (Betsy Lister),[8] "Biker Jer" (Jerry Sawinski) and "Joe Go" (Jose Gouveia).[9]
Themes[edit]
Falling in love with a mustache
is like saying
you can fall in love with
the way a man polishes his shoes
which,
of course,
is one of the things that turns on
my tuned-up engine
From "Uneasy Rider"
The Motorcycle Betrayal Poems
By Diane Wakoski, 1971
Biker Poetry is similar to cowboy poetry in that it can reflect a romantic American lifestyle.[10] 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 bikers.[11] Other popular themes include "the freedom of the road", outlaw clubs,[12][13] interactions with cars and trucks (also referred to as 'cages'), biker values and practices, and the conflicts and tragedies associated with highway incidents.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Rubber Side Down": The Biker Poet Anthology, published by Archer Books, CA ISBN 978-1-931122-19-1
- ^ "Some Biker Bitches Poetry" by Kimberly Manning-Keller Authors Choice Press ISBN 0-595-15258-9
- ^ "Untitled Document". pastexhibitions.guggenheim.org. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ Brown, Emma (21 October 2008). "The rhythms of the road". Retrieved 11 May 2017 – via The Boston Globe.
- ^ "The Highway Poets Motorcycle Club". Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ The Rebels p75) By Daniel R. Wolf, University of Toronto Press ISBN 0-8020-7363-8,
- ^ "Milwaukee professor riffs on poetry's history, evolution. The UMW Post by Graham Marlowe September 26, 2011". Archived from the original on 1 October 2011. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ "A biker who runs her own business, writes poetry, and works for social causes makes it all look simple", The Boston Globe by Bill Griffith June 26, 2011
- ^ "One Guest: José Gouveia, biker poet - One Guest". WGBH - One Guest. Retrieved 11 May 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "The American Interest Online "High on the Hog" by Thomas M. Rickers December 2008". Archived from the original on 30 September 2009. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ Amphetamine Misuse: International Perspectives on Current Trends, Edited by Hilary Klee p 116 Harwood Academic Press
- ^ Smith, Jordan (May 19, 2006). "The 'One-Percenters'". Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ "Statement by the Blue Knights Law Enforcement M.C. on "The Motorcycle Brotherhood"". Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
