On Friday, the Museum of Modern Art, known publicly as The MOMA, screened a film about the life of poet Bob Kaufman, titled "And When I Die, I Won't Stay Dead", directed by Billy Woodberry.  Kaufman aligned with the Beat Generation, yet never gained mass popularity like Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and other writers. The documentary brims with interviews from his wife Ida Berrocal, writers from San Francisco's North Beach district, and family members from his New Orleans upbringing.  

Having not heard much about his story, I decided to attend and was swept by the rich density of his prose, which evoked a haunted, introspective nature that paralleled his substance abuse. Kaufman's sartorial outputs also defied convention, smoothly adding to the vividness of his North Beach district.  He rejected bourgeoisie standards, but had no problem deconstructing them for his own benefit.  

Listen to “Heavy Water Blues” from poet Terrance Hayes.

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