I Am My Own Orange County

Someone recently described reading Rick Lupert's work as a similar experience to getting kicked in the teeth. He responded by recommending a good dentist. This was a sham as he had not been to the dentist in several years. The best he could do would be to front with 1-800-DENTIST and hope for the best. By the way, this book was not endorsed by 1-800-DENTIST but the author wishes them the best. What exactly does it mean to be one's own Orange County? It's about being self critical. When you read your poetry in Orange County, you'll find the audience more interactive; often critiquing your poem outloud while you read it. (It's not that he doesn't think dental hygiene is important. He brushes and flosses every day. His teeth are fine. He has no problem smiling with his mouth open. In fact, he is doing so right now.) This is Lupert's second book. It features many of the poems he'd had published various places, as well as things so special that only he agreed to publish them.