The Whole Shebang: The Collected Poems of James R. Van Laan

"The Whole Shebang" is a four-part collection of poems about life, survival, love, and loss. "A Railing Against the Night" is a defiant cry against death, a memorial to people lost, and a celebration of their lives. A lyrical testament to the lives of people who touched the poet--changed him, made him who he is. "Survival As the Whole of Existence" reveals the poet's view of life--the complexities, the ironies, the pleasures and disappointments, the struggles and hopes. It's his lyrical recognition of overcoming adversity--a celebration of survival. "Hymns Of a Would-Be Lover" relives the hopes, dreams, and disappointments of love in all its shapes and forms. Love desired, love lost, the yearning for love, the recognition of fading love, and the despair of lost love. But, always, the dream of love. "NanSong" is a collection of some of the poems the poet wrote to the love of his life for special occasions--Christmas, birthdays, and Valentine's Day. It's a lyrical testament to love, failure, and salvation.