Geiger was born on December 27th in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He attended Catholic school throught the fifth grade. He began writing poetry at the age of 11. After High School he joined the Air Force, became a Security Policeman, completed a tour in SE Asia in the early 1970's, serving in Vietnam and Thailand and was discharged in 1975. He completed a BA in Political Science and History from Rutgers College, Rutgers University in 1977 while working nights and weekends as a bartender.