Poets' Page

In addition to his music life, Richard has become a published poet. In his journey he has just finished and released his second poetry chapbook entitled "Vibrato".


HOW MANY NIGHTS?
How many nights did it take to get there?
The one nighters
Schlepping all that gear
Looking for service elevators
Back doors, side doors
Even trying to get past many closed doors

How many times did you have to ask
The club owner for the check
Only to have him say:
Come back Tuesday
We didn’t do that much business
Even though the place was packed

How many hours
How many years
Did it take to learn your craft?
To get good - real good
To make it all fit
To rehearse the band
To take it out of your living room
Past your garage
To some make shift sound stage

How many auditions
Showcases, demo sessions
Backing up some want to be singer
Just so the band could have a gig to play

How many nights did you wonder
If you made a smart career choice
Or if anyone at all was going to come
And hear you play

How many times did you play
For one half of the door
Only to ask what happened to your half
You are the bandleader
With a minor degree in psychology,
Marriage counseling, not your own of course
Mediations and child development
How many nights did it take to get there?

How many tours were canceled?
Checks that bounced
Fights that you broke up
Times you were slapped in the face
And the car broke down
And all of the Motel Sixes you stayed at
How many broken promises
That were forever broken and unmendable

How many drugs
One night stands
Lousy PA systems
Busted amps
Unplayable guitars
And non playing drummers
Have you gone through?
Your life is like a never ending
Set of lyrics and changes

It is your life, your dream
And your passion
Don’t stop now
You have too many nights invested
How many nights will it take to get there?
I will have to ask you later
I know that you have two more
Shows to do

Richard Leach 08
San Pedro guitarist/poet in Residence


Richard's first poetry chapbook is entitled "Quite Noise".



Vibrato and Quite Noise are available through Point Fermin Press, on this web site and at the following stores:

Williams’ Book Store
443 W. 6th St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
310 832-3631

Under the Bridge Bookstore and Gallery
358 West 6th St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
310 519-8871

Alva's Music
1417 W 8th St.
San Pedro, Ca 90731
310 519 1314


Richard is an often heard reader at the Coffee Cartel in Redondo Beach on many Tuesday nights

Richard is available as a featured reader at your poetry event, art or museum presentation along with his guitar if needed.
He also has a PA system system for rent for your local area poetry event if needed

Call for pricing and details

More writings are in the works

Please stay tuned


These books may be send to you by mail
Send your check for $8.50
(Price includes shipping and handling USA)
Out of the country inquires welcome
Additional fees will apply

Check payable to:  
Richard Leach
P.O. Box 5327
San Pedro, CA 90733

To order by mail and pay by credit card contact Williams’ Book Store or Under the Bridge Bookstore and Gallery. (Cost of the book plus Shipping and Handling fees)


For distributor information please contact us by e-mail.
We thank you for your interest and support


FYI

The Coffee Cartel
1820 S Catalina Ave
Redondo Beach, CA 310-316-6554

Readings every Tuesday night from 8:15 PM
Some of the finest poetry around
Presented by the Redondo Poets
9 years and going strong
www.redondopoets.com


poeticdiversity.com
Richard's poem "Poets Cafe" was published on the poeticdiversity web site, Volume 4, Number 4.


youtube
Richard Leach reads his poem "Steady Work" at Redondo Poets' open mic series, Coffee Cartel, Redondo Beach, CA (Feb. 2007)