Biker poetry
Encyclopedia
Biker poetry is a movement of poetry
that grew out of the predominantly 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 biker poets argue that biker poetry is a genre, while others state it is a movement that includes many genres. The one thing generally agreed upon; is 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 America. 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 prose 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 Wakoski
with 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
The following is a verse from Wild Bill the Alaskan Biker Poet's poem "A Motorcycle Seat", which exhibits traditional biker poetry themes:
Poetry
Poetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning...
that grew out of the predominantly 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
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Some biker poets argue that biker poetry is a genre, while others state it is a movement that includes many genres. The one thing generally agreed upon; is there are many bikers writing about the "biker lifestyle" using poetic verse. Hunter S. Thompson
Hunter S. Thompson
Hunter Stockton Thompson was an American journalist and author who wrote The Rum Diary , Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72 .He is credited as the creator of Gonzo journalism, a style of reporting where reporters involve themselves in the action to...
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
Cowboy poetry
Cowboy poetry cp is a form of poetry which grew out of a tradition of extemporaneous composition carried on by workers on cattle drives and ranches. After a day of work, cowboys would gather around a campfire and entertain one another with tall tales and folk songs...
in that it reflects a romantic lifestyle unique to America. Verse will often focus on the loneliness or camaraderie associated with motorcycling
Motorcycling
Motorcycling is the act of riding a motorcycle. A variety of subcultures and lifestyles have been built up around motorcycling.-Benefits:Robert M. Pirsig's book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a paean celebrating motorcycling...
, the day to day affairs of maintenance on the motorcycle
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
, 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 prose 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
Fixed verse
Fixed verse forms are a kind of template or formula that poetry can be composed in. The converse of fixed-verse is Free verse poetry, which by design has little or no pre-established guidelines....
, free verse
Free verse
Free verse is a form of poetry that refrains from consistent meter patterns, rhyme, or any other musical pattern.Poets have explained that free verse, despite its freedom, is not free. Free Verse displays some elements of form...
, folk song, Concrete poetry
Concrete poetry
Concrete poetry or shape poetry is poetry in which the typographical arrangement of words is as important in conveying the intended effect as the conventional elements of the poem, such as meaning of words, rhythm, rhyme and so on....
, Poetry slam and even a form of Haiku
Haiku
' , plural haiku, is a very short form of Japanese poetry typically characterised by three qualities:* The essence of haiku is "cutting"...
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 Wakoski
Diane Wakoski
Diane Wakoski is a American poet who is primarily associated with the deep image poets, as well as the confessional and Beat poets of the 1960s.-Biography:...
with 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
Motorcycle rally
A motorcycle rally is a gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts. Rallies can be large or small, and one-time or recurring. Some rallies are ride-in events, whereas some like the Iron Butt Rally involve days of riding and an actual gathering only at the end of the ride.-North America:Notable annual...
’s
Typical themes of biker poetry
Bikers come from all walks of life; such as the "Ninety Nine Percenters." As a result their poetry tends to reflect the same values and experiences held by most individuals in society. Love, sacrifice, friendship and loss are typical in biker poetry. Specific themes unique to a biker that may be found are:- 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, J. Barrett (Bear) Wolf 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