1990s Poetry Archives | Page 3 of 3

thanksgiving day november 28th, 1986

thanks for the wild turkey and passenger pigeons
destined to be [ ] out through wholesome american guts
thanks for a comment to despoil and poison [Music]
thanks for indians to provide a modicum of challenge and danger
thanks for vast herds of bison to kill and skin leaving the carcasses to rot
thanks for bounties on wolves and coyotes
thanks for the american dream you vulgarize and falsify until the bear lies shine through
thanks for the kkk for [ ] killing long and feed in their notches
thanks for decent church going women with their mean ancient bitter evil faces
[Music]
thanks for killing queer for christ stickers
thanks for laboratory age
[Music]
thanks for prohibition and the war against drugs
[Music]
thanks for a country where nobody is allowed to mind his own business
thanks for a nation of things
yes thanks for all the memories all
right let’s see your arms
you always were a headache and you
always were a bore
thanks to the last and greatest betrayal
of the last and greatest
of human dreams
[Music]
you

Transcription from the video “Thanksgiving Prayer” by William S. Burroughs and Vimeo.

About the poet, William S. Burroughs

Arizona plays an unexpected yet significant role in preserving Burroughs’ legacy. The Hayden Library at Arizona State University in Tempe is home to a collection of Burroughs’ papers and manuscripts. Learn more about the William S. Burroughs Collection and his ties to Arizona HERE.

Read more poetry inspired by Arizona HERE.

Introducing Sarge Lintecum: a remarkable individual whose journey from the battlefields of Vietnam to the stages of blues clubs and concert venues is nothing short of extraordinary. Sarge, a highly decorated combat veteran with three tours in Vietnam, discovered solace in writing about the unspoken traumas of war after two decades of living in near-seclusion. His writings evolved into soulful blues songs, accompanied by his mastery of the harmonica and the twelve-bar blues.

Vietnam Blues-Combat Tested Blues for Peace — Buy Vietnam Blues by Sarge Lintecum on Amazon

Sarge embarked on a musical odyssey, gracing open mic blues clubs with his poignant performances, unaware that this was the inception of a career that would span over three decades. Sponsored by Lee Oskar Harmonicas, he became a nationally acclaimed blues singer, songwriter, poet, and harmonica virtuoso.

Throughout his extensive career, Sarge has captivated audiences across the nation, performing at diverse venues, including schools, colleges, and universities. His Vietnam Blues Show, featuring music from his acclaimed recordings, is a powerful testament to his unique blend of musical prowess, storytelling, and heartfelt poetry. Sarge Lintecum continues to be a living testament to the healing power of music and the arts in overcoming the scars of war.

Discover and learn more about poets and poetry from Arizona HERE.

Tag: 1990s Poetry

About the poet, William S. Burroughs