Early Life and Background

Michael McClure, born on October 20, 1932, in Marysville, Kansas, was a celebrated American poet, essayist, and playwright. His upbringing involved frequent relocations between Marysville, Wichita, and Seattle, Washington, due to his parents’ divorce and subsequent remarriages. Despite these changes, McClure’s fascination with nature was a consistent theme throughout his early life, leading many to expect he would pursue a career in this field.

Literary Awakening and the Beat Movement

McClure was drawn to literature from a young age, reading both classical texts and contemporary writers like Artaud and Schwitters. Inspired, he began writing poetry and painting. In 1954, he moved to San Francisco with intentions to study at the California School of Fine Arts, but instead became immersed in a vibrant community of artists, writers, and musicians. He attended Robert Duncan’s poetry workshops at San Francisco State College and soon met the iconic Jack Kerouac, who immortalized McClure as Pat McClear in his novel “Big Sur.”

Michael McClure’s involvement with the Beat movement deepened after his famous public reading at the Six Gallery in San Francisco in October 1955, alongside Allen Ginsberg and others. His poem “For the Death of 100 Whales” showcased his ecological passion, a recurring theme in his work.

Human Design: A Generator with a Purpose

Understanding McClure through the lens of Human Design, he was a Generator with a Sacral Inner Authority. This meant he thrived by responding to the world around him, embodying a natural flow in his creative pursuits. His strategy of “To Respond” complemented his poetic journey, allowing him to channel inspiration from external stimuli rather than forcing creative output.

McClure’s Profile was a 2/4, denoting a blend of natural talent with a strong network of community influences. This aligns with his ability to connect with and draw inspiration from the Beat community, enhancing his creativity and influence. His Incarnation Cross of the Right Angle Cross of Laws (50/3 | 56/60) reflects his inherent purpose to explore and question societal norms, evident in his controversial plays and ecological advocacy.

Artistic Legacy and Collaborations

McClure’s artistic contributions extended beyond poetry. In the 1960s and 1970s, his plays “The Beard” and “Josephine: The Mouse Singer” sparked controversy and legal challenges, yet they solidified his reputation as a provocative playwright. His collaboration with Ray Manzarek of The Doors in the 1990s resulted in the video “Love Lion,” showcasing his enduring versatility and innovative spirit.

Notably, McClure’s words were the foundation for the iconic Janis Joplin song, “Oh Lord, Won’t You Buy Me a Mercedes Benz,” further cementing his influence on American music and culture.

Personal Life and Legacy

Michael McClure was married twice and had a daughter. He passed away on May 4, 2020, in San Francisco, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire poets, playwrights, and those drawn to the Beat generation. His Human Design as a Generator with a Sacral Authority, coupled with his Right Angle Cross of Laws, underscores his dynamic and responsive approach to life and art.