Independent Lens Season 5 Episode 19 Every Child is Born a Poet: The Life and Work of Piri Thomas

"Every Child is Born a Poet: The Life and Work of Piri Thomas" is an episode from season 5 of the documentary series Independent Lens. This episode focuses on the life and work of Piri Thomas, a Puerto Rican writer and poet who played a significant role in the Latino literary movement of the 1960s and 70s.

The episode provides viewers with a deep insight into the cultural and historical context in which Thomas's work was produced. It highlights the challenges faced by Puerto Rican migrants in America during the mid-20th century, including the discrimination and poverty that impacted their daily lives. Against this backdrop, Thomas's poetry emerges as a powerful and moving expression of the joys and complexities of immigrant life.

In addition to exploring Thomas's life as a writer, the episode also touches on his personal struggles, including his experiences with addiction and incarceration. Through interviews with friends, family, and fellow writers, viewers gain a sense of Thomas's courage, resilience, and determination to create art despite the many obstacles he faced.

One of the central themes of the episode is the power of literature to transform lives. Through excerpts from Thomas's poetry and prose, viewers witness the profound impact that his words have had on generations of readers and writers. The episode also features interviews with contemporary writers and critics who describe Thomas's influence on the Latino literary tradition and the broader American literary canon.

Overall, "Every Child is Born a Poet: The Life and Work of Piri Thomas" is a moving and insightful tribute to a towering figure in American literature. Through interviews, archival footage, and poignant readings of his poetry, viewers come to appreciate Thomas's singular voice and the enduring legacy of his work.