Poems from Indira

Reflections Through a Half-Filled Looking Glass

Poetry - Love/Romance
89 Pages
Reviewed on 04/19/2023
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

Poems from Indira: Reflections Through a Half-Filled Looking Glass by Cliff Ratza is a poetry book that takes you on a journey through concepts that you thought you knew. Open your mind to another way of thinking about the essence of time and the way it passes. What has history taught you about how life starts over every day or the pain of losing your mother but keeping her love in your heart? How futile is the attempt to trade places or be someone or something other than what the present already holds? Why do excitement and passions fade as time passes? Embrace the way the world is changing from one generation to the next. Become everything you are meant to be through boldness and persistence while chasing dreams.

I love the poetry in Poems from Indira. Cliff Ratza has taken poetry to a whole new level in the rhyming stanzas on every page. I loved how this writer uses verse to compare the difference between the way the world used to be and how it thrives today. His intuitive knowledge of how hard it is to face the future if you’re unwilling to face the present had me glued. The poems in this book have such a profound way of stirring the emotions of the reader that it is practically impossible to put it down. If I had to claim a favorite, it would be a tie between To Be, Generation Next, and Mother’s Day Remembrance. They convey the truth of what it feels like to be in a state of uncontrollable change. I recommend this poetry book to anyone, especially those in search of a deeper understanding of the difference between living and simply existing.

Risah Salazar

Poems from Indira: Reflections Through a Half-Filled Looking Glass is a poetry collection by Cliff Ratza. Indira is the collective consciousness of Electra Kittner’s mother. The artificial intelligence, Indira, is ever-changing and ever-evolving, getting smarter by the moment while sharing her thoughts with her daughter. Electra now goes by the name Irani Ramani to ease back stealthily into the world after twenty years in hibernation. However, she must conceal her identity to avoid their enemies capable of doing unspeakable things. This collection is existential and beautiful, based on fragments of poems from a book in The Keeper’s series.

Through his poems, Cliff Ratza has a way of romanticizing even the tiniest concepts magically. The poems are refreshing to read, each deserving to be framed and put on a desk or a wall for everyday inspiration. Reality’s harsh truths, and hope, even in the darkest times, are presented in balance. There are recurring themes such as Time, Faith and Reason, and Life. You will love the calming consistency of the beats and rhymes found in every stanza. The simple word choice makes everything smooth, flowing, and understandable, even for the younger ones. While complex words in poems are not necessarily bad, the simplicity of this collection holds the attention longer and keeps the interest going. Poems from Indira: Reflections Through a Half-Filled Looking Glass is recommended to all ages; everyone will learn a lesson or two.

Savannah Aldridge

Poems from Indira: Reflections through a Half-Filled Looking Glass is a collection of rhymed poetry by Cliff Ratza. This compilation utilizes accessible language and universal themes such as wisdom in youth, lost time, regrets, and remembering what matters most in life to bring the audience into timeless human challenges with the author’s fresh take on them. It features dozens of poems with attention-grabbing titles such as “So What So When So Where”, “Cast Your Fate to the Winds”, and “The Color of Time’s Echo”. The collection opens with an introduction to the poet and the following works to share the perspective that he fleshes out through them.

Poems from Indira: Reflections through a Half-Filled Looking Glass weaves together nostalgic and hopeful stories into a rhythmic and varied collection. For fans of the musical sound and format of rhyming poetry, this book will be a well-received comfort. Cliff Ratza brings the reader into intimate moments with characters—for instance, the hopeful conclusion of the poem “Mother’s Day Remembrance” felt like an accessible foray into loss even to those of us who do not know the character. I appreciated the unifying theme throughout the book: life continues with mistakes, hardships, and regrettable choices. “Amends Remaining”—which I experienced as a sweet piece about forgiving yourself for missed opportunities and moving forward—beautifully captured these emotions with simple, yet evocative language. Visually pleasing and simple to navigate, this collection is a great addition to the poetry lover’s shelf.

Diana Lopez

Reading Poems From Indira will encourage you to appreciate the beauty of every moment, whether joyful or sad because each one is authentic. Through poetry, Cliff Ratza addresses essential themes such as time and nature, but he focuses on aspects like nourishing the spirit and mind as the most important things are within us. His words emphasize the idea of making the most out of life as each day allows us to have a new beginning. Part of The Lightning Brain Series collection, the poems evoke an atmosphere of adventure and creativity. Ratza's poems encourage you to be brave, dare to dream, and try new things, without being afraid of making decisions. Poems From Indira will help your emotions flow positively.

After I saw that the first poem reflected time, I knew it would be a deep and interesting collection. I loved the rhymes; you can feel the harmony within each verse due to the melodious words. Cliff Ratza maintains a classic poetic style that keeps you attentive because of its rhythm, making this poetry everyone can enjoy. Each page conveys different emotions and points of view with a positive perspective. A recurring theme that caught my attention was the distinction between youth and old age because Ratza demonstrates how mood depends mainly on our inner strength. He shows that you can move forward if you have a strong heart. Poems From Indira is perfect for anyone looking for inspiration and a moment of introspection.