Author Nadia Brown's Unscrambled Eggs
Reviewed by Realistic Poetry International
Author Nadia Brown’s “Unscrambled Eggs” makes a great first-impression with her charismatic voice of reason, philosophical logic, and artfully persuasive speech. In this book, her poetry discusses topics relevant to both herself and others, ranging from growth, relationships and maturity (Only a Girl), to survival and endurance (Lifeboat), to unearthly wonders (Angels), all the way down to the themes of dreams, goals, ambition and purpose. One of the most prominent poems we grow to love under a few of these categories is entitled, “Before I Knew Better,” a poem that uses a variety of catching descriptions and comparisons to explain the in-depth contrast between what the Author thought life would be like, rather than understanding it for what it truly is.
As far as significant themes go, this poem definitely sets the stage for the reader and audience when it comes to dreams and real-life, magnetically drawing out the feelings and reactions of all those who get by in our world of challenges, nevertheless, still feel slightly disappointed with the distorted picture of not only their own life’s circumstances, but of life overall.
Like many of us, Author Nadia Janice Brown mentions how she was once fortified with the inspiration required to, in her words, “be the sky if she wanted.” But more commonly, rather than soaring to the height of our dreams, we find ourselves tangled in a web of dubious uncertainties and adversities that, without warning, ‘puncture our avenues and crack our yellow brick road,’ as expressed in the poem. The story-like format this piece is written in takes on the style of poetry prose and includes an intelligible gripping beginning, middle and end.
A strong voice for the female race, readers will also find this book addresses many of the emotional, physical and internal struggles of women, displaying the more vulnerable and delicate version of the female in which the new-world has made nearly equal to man. One piece we are particularly fond of that fits into this category is entitled “There Were No Bells,” a melancholic wedding mantra of sadness that resounds with the ominous voice of gloom, “An Ardent Wish,” and also the poem “Ms. Ordinary.”
In the poem “Blind Eyes Become Open,” the courageous voice of wisdom educates with reproof and love on the value of all humans, despite the tone of their skin. She makes sure not to forget to remember how some of the most hateful human practices from old times such as racism and partiality continue to warp the minds of those “confined to judging a man by the hue of his skin.” The Author ultimately equates such petty mind-sets and principles to ignorance, leaving us with this punching quote:
“Understanding carries a person to a place where there are not many blind eyes become open when they walk in the shoes of the ones they oppose.”
Her determination and enriching thoughts are bold, civil, opinionated and do not hide her heart’s opposition to amoral doctrines such as racism and discrimination, clearly letting readers know exactly where she stands on the controversial social issue. As believers in fairness, we indulge in this poem and can visualize her words like soap, cleansing the grime and debris off cold, beat-up, rusty steel hearts forged by the fire of blood and hatred. And Brown’s heartfelt compassion, empathy and knowledge, knotted together, never leaves this poem short of decency, integrity or virtue.
We read other humanistic poems such as, “Undisturbed,” that still focus in on humanity, but instead of social injustice, emphasize the influence and power of our incessant need to wish, desire and aspire.
Contrary to racism, this poem generalizes humanity in a more collective manner, illustrating a dramatized vivid photograph of unstoppable human ambition while articulating the unquenchable quest some of us set out on in our lives to obtain "what we do not have," regardless of how busy we can be.
The Author’s words support this conclusion in the verse where she says, "We do not concern ourselves with unremitting distractions," and the “weight of time do not hinder us," which are both unique ways of expressing just how insignificant our worldly concerns become when we consistently live in our own reveries---- beyond disturbance.
Depending on the perspective and person, this theory can be both good and bad. Sure, dreaming allows us to imagine achieving the impossible and helps us place our goals and purpose into alignment, but what happens when our uninterrupted dream of “things we don’t have” shapes our hearts into sharp-edged covetous glass? And is it truly a good thing to burn with endless passion for what we lack rather than spend more time being grateful for what we have? These are questions that arise as we contemplate on the Author’s poignant words.
After reading this, we also wonder, perhaps the true hidden irony to the Author’s vision is that somewhere, maybe buried underneath all the fogginess of our zealous greedy hearts, our spirits are filled with an abundance of treasure----gifts and riches beyond measure! What if? As the poem never states what types of things we mostly desire (materialistic, spiritual, physical attributes, etc.…). Nevertheless, the topic provokes one to consider the fundamental meaning and value of "things we can't have."
An obvious believer in a ‘wrong and right way to do things,’ Author Nadia Janice Brown adds a special touch to this collection by indirectly insinuating some of her own beliefs to make known her truth as in the poem, "Misguided."
In this poem, readers inevitably develop a better image of Brown’s beliefs, soul and character. She begins by speaking to who we interpret to be God, earnestly repentant for transgressing against Him and His truth. She then portrays the vanity in what she calls, "petty rituals," where believers seek refuge in only tradition rather than truth. In the end, ultimately, she expresses how these people are badly misguided, unable to ever reach or feel the true rapture of freedom.
Though the poem does not specifically mention the name of God or Jesus Christ, literally, the incitation of "hail Mary" towards the end distinctly implies the higher power in her poem is, God.
Bold and open-hearted, Author Nadia Janice Brown confesses the people's transgression; "Through decay of years you have seen us depart from your Haven, washing our youthful hands of you..." And then subsequently underlines the peoples mistake; "We still have not learned that our spirit will not be freed on the account of obedience to ceremonial rules." Her deep concern for humanity, whether it be pertaining to religion or attitude is a major part of this collection in addition to the miscellaneous animated revelations of her own self and identity. In every poem, the Author’s words stress how important feelings, actions and reactions are when it comes to our mental health, growth and journey through life, from hopelessness all the way down to fulfillment and success. Often, behind her words, the wistfulness of disappointment, mediocrity and frustration linger.
There are poems that are written like visions of the future while others read like historical graphic flashbacks of the past. Unorthodox figurative titles accompany certain selections that naturally grasp our attention such as “Encumber Sands,” “Moon over Columbus” and “Fishing for Salmon.”
From a mechanical or technical perspective, the extended metaphorical free-verse style Author Nadia Janice Brown uses for her poetry produces a steady stream of continuous thoughts that neatly interlink at the beginning of each new verse, with one practical conclusion to tie it all in at the very end. Her stanzas produce a good tempo, even with the lack of rhyme, and flows without friction or disruption.
Summarized, we believe her book is an excellent example of what it means to be human in our world, flaws and all. It is a multi-purposeful book that can be read for inspiration or enlightment. For these reasons, we are pleased to present this book with a 5-star rating and hope you can get a copy to read for yourself!
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