Kavita // Reviews

“Ruffina's poetry invites us home to the divine light within, enlarging our hearts to know the light that lives in every other person and place. Read it slowly, quietly—bathe in it.” Pastor Carla Fletcher, Hawk Point Community Church, Hawk Point, Missouri

"Each of these exquisite poems exudes a divine essence that comforts and heals. These poems represent for us pathways to the Divine in nature, in ourselves and each other. They lead us to the discovery of Love Itself abiding as the All of our own being.” Hon. Judge Thomas Russell (retired)

“Kavita is for the believer. For everyone who has ever uttered the words 'Our Father,' this book is an additional word of prayer. Ruffina's poetry does not speak to us but sings an unforgettable melody of love, joy and beauty to our deeper consciousness. A creative musician has material here for endless gospel songs which the poetess drew from the fathomless well of the Truth that is Abba – Father.” Freddie Kissoon, HBM, ADB (London), West Indian Playwright, Founder/Director of the Trinidad Strolling Players Company
Read more about Mr. Freddie Kissoon here:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

“I find this collection of poems delightful reading and adept writing. The more specifically cultural pieces appeal to me especially, the evocation of “Life in the Tropics,” and the invocation of deities. The poet's faith is intriguing, by turns monotheistic and polytheistic. Equally valuable for me as a reader are the poems of love and compassion. The long poem on “Mother” is central in that way. It is like what some poets I read/study/teach have written in the vein of the broadside ballad – in the form of the folk ballad with its approximate rhymes and four-line stanzas but with subjects of popular and genuine ballads. Felicia Hemans wrote some of these, but Robert Southey more, and in their own different artistic idioms, so did Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Blake. And later, Alfred E. Housman. I really appreciated this collection of poetry.” Nanora Sweet, Ph.D. immediate past Chair of the Department of English, University of Missouri-St Louis; Author, Rotogravure
Read more about Nanora Sweet here:
1. 2.

Read a review carried in the Trinidad and Tobago "Newsday" newspaper of 30 August 2008, entitled "Songs from her soul"

Following is an article carried in the "Ferguson Times" of December 2008.

With appreciation,

Ruffina




		“Ruffina's poetry invites us home to the divine light within, enlarging our hearts to know the light that lives in every other person and place. Read it slowly, quietly—bathe in it.” Pastor Carla Fletcher, Hawk Point Community Church, Hawk Point, Missouri "Each of these exquisite poems exudes a divine essence that comforts and heals. These poems represent for us pathways to the Divine in nature, in ourselves and each other. They lead us to the discovery of Love Itself abiding as the All of our own being.” Hon. Judge Thomas Russell (retired) “Kavita is for the believer. For everyone who has ever uttered the words 'Our Father,' this book is an additional word of prayer. Ruffina's poetry does not speak to us but sings an unforgettable melody of love, joy and beauty to our deeper consciousness. A creative musician has material here for endless gospel songs which the poetess drew from the fathomless well of the Truth that is Abba – Father.” Freddie Kissoon, HBM, ADB (London), West Indian Playwright, Founder/Director of the Trinidad Strolling Players Company Read more about Mr. Freddie Kissoon here: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. “I find this collection of poems delightful reading and adept writing. The more specifically cultural pieces appeal to me especially, the evocation of “Life in the Tropics,” and the invocation of deities. The poet's faith is intriguing, by turns monotheistic and polytheistic. Equally valuable for me as a reader are the poems of love and compassion. The long poem on “Mother” is central in that way. It is like what some poets I read/study/teach have written in the vein of the broadside ballad – in the form of the folk ballad with its approximate rhymes and four-line stanzas but with subjects of popular and genuine ballads. Felicia Hemans wrote some of these, but Robert Southey more, and in their own different artistic idioms, so did Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Blake. And later, Alfred E. Housman. I really appreciated this collection of poetry.” Nanora Sweet, Ph.D. immediate past Chair of the Department of English, University of Missouri-St Louis; Author, Rotogravure Read more about Nanora Sweet here: 1. 2. Read a review carried in the Trinidad and Tobago "Newsday" newspaper of 30 August 2008, entitled "Songs from her soul" Following is an article carried in the "Ferguson Times" of December 2008. With appreciation, Ruffina

	"I read a few poems and immediately, what came up to my mind, was Emily Dickinson's name. The same proximity to the truth of nature, of life. I am very, very much impressed. Beautiful!" Bernard Jamois, France "Congratulations, Ruffina, on your book! Wonderful poetry!" Pastor Jeff Lindgren, Zion Lutheran Church, Ferguson, Missouri "Congratulations, Ruffina, in articulating poetically the inner rhythms of nature that normally escape most of us. Good luck and more inspiration to inspire others." Fali Engineer, Texas "Beautifully presented book .... lovely verse ... beautiful website!" Robert Gordon, Australia "This book is really a beautiful collection of poetry. The poems all rhyme and have a sweetness to them that is so refreshing. No dark poetry or thoughts here. I will read these over and over again, words like "I wish I were a brook all full of God's unspoken grace, that I could pour upon the world and bless its every place." Or words so well strung together, expressing deeper ideas: "Time is God's forgiving hand, Soothed so gently on the brow of man, That the mistakes made in yesteryear, Remain not long a burden to bear." Or these lines reminding us of old classics, on First Fall: "Grapes and wines, full fruit on vines, Hay and harvests, bounteous baskets, O how I love these days of Fall, When nature hears God's autumn call." And finally, a verse for those of us who enjoy poetry: "The inner sanctum of my heart and mind, In waves of verses there you'll find, An image of you, my lover of poetry, Inebriated with wine from the heart of me." Your friends, spouses and loved ones, will treasure this book as I do. It is a rare collection of poetry." Lilah Berment, Trinidad & Tobago