the old political poets don't read much anymore content to scan the pages of major literary journals, looking for their names in print, their books reviewed the old poets borrow lines from their contemporaries, but only when suffering writers block the old poets no longer have mother Russia to comfort them the old poets have no parties to join no Red Guard to march with no parade to goose step too the old poets sprinkle wheat germ on their cereal and drink only bottled water the old poets forsake salt with meals and take pride in the little known fact that an average spill of semen contains less than twenty-five calories the old poets have no causes left to die for no motherland to call their own the poets have turned in their bombs and union cards for chump change and social security the old poets are tired like Atlas they have learned the hard way you can't carry the world on your shoulders the old poets see life through Dante's eyes no longer able to distinguish truth from lies the old poets traded in their party cards for government grants and a shot at making GAP commercials the old poets have sold out their dreams realizing that suffering is overrated the old poets have quit writing political poems no longer carry Nietzsche inside their head the old poets ride the poetry circuit pony express grabbing for the gold ring all too willing to sell themselves for a lottery chance at fame
You can find this poem in A.D. Winans — Drowning Like Li Po in a River of Red Wine
A.D. Winans, born on October 31, 1936, is an American poet associated with the San Francisco Beat and small press poetry scenes. He has been a prolific writer, editor, and publisher, contributing significantly to the literary landscape.
Winans was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in the city. His early exposure to the vibrant literary and artistic community in San Francisco played a crucial role in shaping his poetic sensibilities. In the 1960s, he became part of the Beat Generation and was associated with notable figures such as Jack Micheline, Bob Kaufman, and Charles Bukowski.
Throughout his career, Winans has written and published numerous collections of poetry, often exploring themes of urban life, social issues, and the human condition. His work is known for its raw and honest expression, reflecting the influences of the Beat movement.
In addition to his own writing, A.D. Winans has been involved in the small press publishing scene, championing the works of emerging poets and contributing to the promotion of alternative and independent literature. He founded the Second Coming Press, a small press that published works by various poets.
A.D. Winans' contributions to poetry and the literary community have earned him recognition and respect among his peers. His work continues to be celebrated for its authenticity, capturing the essence of the countercultural movements that emerged in San Francisco during the mid-20th century.