What It Takes

Over 150 poems pertaining to life, liberty and the reckless pursuit of money, war, love and understanding. Subjects include gold, plants, ghosts, pawn shops, walls, botox, a description of Hell freezing over, BIG CHINA and Elvis as the Patron Saint of Parking. Subjects span many years and locations.

Over 150 poems pertaining to life, liberty and the reckless pursuit of money, war, love and understanding. Subjects include gold, plants, ghosts, pawn shops, walls, botox, a description of Hell freezing over and Elvis as the Patron Saint of Parking. Subjects span many years and locations. The book looks into milestone years in American History. It speaks of Mayan mythology and discusses the motives of BIG CHINA. It asks the question: "Could raising the dead be over-stepping the mark?" It explores the fate of Giordano Bruno. It suggests we put zoologists in a cage, and see what they do. It explores how to rob a bank and the spirit of New Jersey. It even gives a Jersey version of the Ramayana, the Hindu epic poem. It compares Rock n' Roll stars to mules and suggests there should be a Yale Lemon Law. The last poem in the book is called "The Word", a reflection upon the contents of the book itself.

Richard Jarboe is a poet, playwright, composer and lyricist. His first book of poetry was entitled "Trash Marks the Spot". His musical theater credits include "The Pied Piper of Hamelin", produced in Los Angeles at the Olio and in New York at the Circle in the Square and co-written with Harvey Shield. His musical "Remnants" was produced in Wheeling and Beckley West Virginia. His Ballets include "Buffalo Bill's Saloon", produced by the Colorado Ballet and "MLK", produced by The Roxey Ballet and performed at U.S. President Barack Obama's inauguration. His play "There Goes the Judge" originated in Los Angeles and was recently produced in Princeton, New Jersey and New Orleans, Louisiana. His CDs can be found on the internet and on iTunes. Their titles are "You Got to Start Somewhere", "Something Else", and "The Danger of Gray Fat". Richard Jarboe lives with his wife Sharon, and their three children, Ellie, Charlie and Austin in Stockton, New Jersey, USA. His tribute to Hurricane Katrina can be found on YouTube.