there is this kind of motionless motion children crying themselves to sleep the taste of sunsets for breakfast and champagne for lunch there is this kind of mellow music hills made of wild strawberries salt on hard boiled eggs Peanuts in the comic strips and radio DJ’s with god awful jokes that see me through another morning there is this kind of sadness the feeling of dull razor blades sliding across smooth skin Marilyn Monroe suicides and weekends with nothing to do heart attacks from love or lack of it funerals with no mourners poets with little future and lovers with no one to love
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.
Those things or anything that makes life bearable, lays another foot of ground for you to step forward onto
Winans' Second Coming Press was a huge influence in the North Beach Scene of the 1980s, when I began to understand that community. It was also the inspiration for Zeitgeist Press, as frequently credited by David Lerner. We are grateful to Winans for the incredible books he put in the world.