Where Have All The Political Poets Gone

By: A.D. Winans

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.