If I had not followed Richard's poetic development over so many years, I would be stunned by the scope of recollection, the maturity of reflection, and the mastery of idiom in these poems. Now, thinking back to how talented he was even at the start, I realize I should not even be surprised at what he has achieved here.
Gerald Locklin
Author of The Life Force Poems,
The Firebird Poems, and Charles Bukowski: A Sure Bet
Richard Vargas weaves the humdrum aspects of everyday existence into the poetic fabric of a well-turned phrase, a hard-won insight, a burst of epiphanous light. It's a rare talent that can do that. Vargas has my respect as a poet of people we often don't think of as poetic. Everyone has poetry. Vargas has taken the extra difficult steps to realize the poetry of his life. His McLife.
Luis J. Rodriguez
Author of Always Running
and Music of the Mill
Richard Vargas is single-handedly re-energizing contemporary poetry and the American vernacular. The poems in this collection rock with zesty word-pyrotechniques, stylistic sommersaults, and an amazing penchant for cultural iconography that will make you into an instant fan of his work. If you are thinking of giving the gift of poetry to your friends and family, this is the book you want to give them.
Virgil Suarez
Author of Spared Angola: Memories of a Cuban-American Childhood
