Ira E. Harrison's Poems and Reflections shares compelling commentary and insight into the multitude of pivotal, history-defining moments during the poet's lifetime. Both in content and in form, Harrison holds the readers gaze with creative titles, and primarily short, simple poetry whose weight should not be measured in the length of the words, but the words themselves.

The poetry begins with a light-hearted ode to the ferocity and ambition of Black women in "Black Women Are," and follows with "My Girl," a universal, ageless piece on flattering one's beloved. While these poems are enjoyable, the sparks truly fly beginning with "Here I Stand." Mankind is a brotherhood, and the notion that its members judge love of his fellow man based on his color truly confounds Harrison. The imagery of the shadow of the cross stirs thoughts that Christ's sacrifice must not be in vain.

Interestingly, Harrison played a role during the Civil Rights movement and admittedly found himself in prison as a result. "A Joke" is his direct reaction to the loss of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Harrison's prophetic words still ring true in the face of seemingly nonstop reports of fatal police encounters with young African American youth.

From Obama's rise to the presidency to Vietnam and Hurricane Katrina, the poet discusses the impact of history on today. Harrison's fascination with history, and how it connects to the present and future can be seen in the culminating Founder's Day speech he delivers to a fraternity at his alma mater, Syracuse University. More than anything else, his phrase, "Without a history/ you remain a mystery," will resonate with readers.

The relevance of this compilation cannot be understated. Harrison's work is a call to not just young Black men, but to all to embrace their humanity. Poems and Reflections is thought-provoking and a voice that needs to be heard.

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