Clandestine: A Classic Book of Poetry
by Amy Ritchie
Xlibris


"Time measured against eternity is brief,
And all life surrenders as it must.
But I live in many worlds,
Like stardust."

Perhaps a daughter's anguish upon losing her beloved father is best captured in "Heartache," a poem from Ritchie's compilation that describes in excruciating detail the loss of a loved one. From adversity, however, one has the opportunity to eradicate the nature of the self and truly recognize one's self for the inner spirit that resides within. Constructed within the structure of narrative prose, the poems exhibit fearless storytelling that facilitates the evoking of emotion within readers.

Though there is no consistent rhyme scheme, this poetry compilation is on fundamentally sound grounds in terms of poetic command. Pieces like "Alone" and "Escape" both allow the reader to lose themselves in soothing imagery, from the earth being silent to a butterfly slowly emerging from its cocoon. In the same vein, many of Ritchie's poems have a meditative feel that is especially exemplified in "An Autumn Gathering," in which autumn is personified as a woman who exudes hints of "apple, spice, and pumpkins," and for whom "the leaves dance in her glory."

As the collection progresses into the second half, a change in tenor toward faith and awakening becomes far more apparent and is once again orchestrated through personification. Whether it is the ocean reaching out to her adventure-loving friends or the purity of "Smile" and "Laughter," Ritchie's poetry is determined to conduct a transfer of emotion that encompasses life's material journey with positivity while allowing audiences a roadmap to understand and tackle their pain through the words of the Lord. More than anything else, Ritchie's poetry is candid throughout as it urges introspection. This is a collection that will spark a renewed appreciation for nature's seasons and their role in developing our lives.

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