Give Everybody Everything: The Financial Life of Bernadette Mayer

The life of a poet is rich with meaning and beauty. But the financial life of a poet is decidedly less rich. The poet Bernadette Mayer is a case study in how literary influence does not translate into income. She dedicated herself to art knowing it wouldn’t make lots of money. Still, at 73, she has unavoidable expenses. Forget Silicon Valley billionaires — can a poor poet make the best case for Universal Basic Income?