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

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

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

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
  1. "Rubber Side Down": The Biker Poet Anthology, published by Archer Books, CA ISBN 978-1-931122-19-1
  2. "Some Biker Bitches Poetry" by Kimberly Manning-Keller Authors Choice Press ISBN 0-595-15258-9
  3. "Untitled Document". pastexhibitions.guggenheim.org. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
  4. Brown, Emma (21 October 2008). "The rhythms of the road". Retrieved 11 May 2017 – via The Boston Globe.
  5. "The Highway Poets Motorcycle Club". Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
  6. The Rebels p75) By Daniel R. Wolf, University of Toronto Press ISBN 0-8020-7363-8,
  7. "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.
  8. "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
  9. "One Guest: José Gouveia, biker poet - One Guest". WGBH - One Guest. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
  10. "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.
  11. Amphetamine Misuse: International Perspectives on Current Trends, Edited by Hilary Klee p 116 Harwood Academic Press
  12. Smith, Jordan (May 19, 2006). "The 'One-Percenters'". Retrieved 11 May 2017.
  13. "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.
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