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Reflections of Soul
Inspiration is all around but what happens when inspiration from one impacts facets of another's self? Reflections of Soul takes one on this poetic journey--a voyage coated in bittersweet waves: paying homage to the inspiration while gaining necessary closure on the impact after the bond met its' death.
Disclaimer: This work does contain hints of dark imagery.
Disclaimer: This work does contain hints of dark imagery.
56 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2013
7 people want to read
About the author
Queen Of Spades
41 books55 followersThe best way to describe Queen of Spades is an Antiquated Hybrid— a contemporary author whose writings have a down-to-earth resonance to anyone who reads them.
Since the age of eleven, Queen of Spades’ flowed with the fire of ideas indicative of rhythm inundated with stanzas. She made her writing debut as a presenter and poet in the anthology Soulful Branches: Words and Sounds. Her other poetry works include: Reflections of Soul, the Eclectic collection (Skin Edition and Beyond the Skin), the Spaded Truths collection (Themes and Proclamations and Life-O-Suction) and Private Pain: Amidst These Ashes.
Queen of Spades also collaborates in subjects she is passionate about. She provided works in the April 2014 poetry anthology Words of Fire and Ice by Durham Editing and E-books. In addition, she partnered with fellow author MJ Holman on two works addressing the stigma of mental illness: The Sea of Conscience and Waves to Light.
Storytelling took spotlight alongside poetry in Queen’s literary evolution. She has written three independent short stories: “Taint on Religion”, “Mr. Bradley’s Garden”, and “When Summer Lingers”. Furthermore, she has participated in a number of short story compilations, such as Continuous Drips, Concordant Vibrancy I, II, and III, and the Divergent Ink series (Crackles of the Heart).
Some tout Queen of Spades is a Poet of the People. Others classify her as a Life Writer. The primary things that remains constant is her dedication to contemporary creativity while remaining true to herself.
To track all things Queen of Spades, check out her Facebook Author Page or follow her on Twitter @authorqspades.
Since the age of eleven, Queen of Spades’ flowed with the fire of ideas indicative of rhythm inundated with stanzas. She made her writing debut as a presenter and poet in the anthology Soulful Branches: Words and Sounds. Her other poetry works include: Reflections of Soul, the Eclectic collection (Skin Edition and Beyond the Skin), the Spaded Truths collection (Themes and Proclamations and Life-O-Suction) and Private Pain: Amidst These Ashes.
Queen of Spades also collaborates in subjects she is passionate about. She provided works in the April 2014 poetry anthology Words of Fire and Ice by Durham Editing and E-books. In addition, she partnered with fellow author MJ Holman on two works addressing the stigma of mental illness: The Sea of Conscience and Waves to Light.
Storytelling took spotlight alongside poetry in Queen’s literary evolution. She has written three independent short stories: “Taint on Religion”, “Mr. Bradley’s Garden”, and “When Summer Lingers”. Furthermore, she has participated in a number of short story compilations, such as Continuous Drips, Concordant Vibrancy I, II, and III, and the Divergent Ink series (Crackles of the Heart).
Some tout Queen of Spades is a Poet of the People. Others classify her as a Life Writer. The primary things that remains constant is her dedication to contemporary creativity while remaining true to herself.
To track all things Queen of Spades, check out her Facebook Author Page or follow her on Twitter @authorqspades.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 17, 2013
"Reflections of Soul"...
Have you ever stopped and thought to yourself after reading a certain book about how well the title fit it?
If the answer is yes, than you will fully understand my review. Queen of Spades' "Reflections of Soul" is exactly that. As I read each poem, it was like staring into a looking glass. I could see me. But, not what was simply at the surface, I could see me... the real me! Each stanza was incredibly powerful in it's delivery. There was something so profound about her metaphoric writing.
I kid you not, I could not stop the chills from flowing through me as I read on. There were some prose that etched themselves into my soul. For example:
1) "Awkward Moments"
"Today, you can't laugh away my woes,
so you listened and held me very tightly
and allowed my tears to flow"
2) "Butterfly"
"I see a butterfly I like to call Happiness"
3) "Faded Dreams"
"... alas, Reality is home"
The list can go on and on. It has been a long time since I'd encounter a Poet's works that hit home in such an absolute way. These ballads were like music to the inner me--to my soul.
Wonderful, magnificent work! Five stars!
Have you ever stopped and thought to yourself after reading a certain book about how well the title fit it?
If the answer is yes, than you will fully understand my review. Queen of Spades' "Reflections of Soul" is exactly that. As I read each poem, it was like staring into a looking glass. I could see me. But, not what was simply at the surface, I could see me... the real me! Each stanza was incredibly powerful in it's delivery. There was something so profound about her metaphoric writing.
I kid you not, I could not stop the chills from flowing through me as I read on. There were some prose that etched themselves into my soul. For example:
1) "Awkward Moments"
"Today, you can't laugh away my woes,
so you listened and held me very tightly
and allowed my tears to flow"
2) "Butterfly"
"I see a butterfly I like to call Happiness"
3) "Faded Dreams"
"... alas, Reality is home"
The list can go on and on. It has been a long time since I'd encounter a Poet's works that hit home in such an absolute way. These ballads were like music to the inner me--to my soul.
Wonderful, magnificent work! Five stars!
December 16, 2013
Reflections of Soul is a collection of wonderful poems from an amazingly talented author who writes under the pen name Queen of Spades. I received this book as a gift recently and discovered many gems within its pages. Queenie lays bare the human condition that anybody with a soul certainly experiences throughout the course of life. She exposes the raw nerves of anger, fear, joy, yearning, love, and hope. And she does this in a way that illustrates how these lines can so easily become blurred. This book is an exercise in writing technique; Queenie's emotions seep from her soul onto the pages so effortlessly. You'll find yourself returning to these words over and over again, recalling lines the way the greats are often recalled. If you're a fan of poetry, this is most definitely a must-have for your library. Even if you're not into poetry, the beauty and pain of this collection is not to be missed. There are only a few poets writing today that truly move my soul. Queen of Spades is one of those few.
August 6, 2013
I won this book in the Lucky Souls Contest, and after receiving it, I couldn't be happier. I now have it on my nightstand.
Every person who has a tender heart should own a copy of this beautiful book of poems. You'll find yourself diving into it from time to time throughout your life as you experience the roller coaster of emotions this author has, and what she's masterfully put into touching poetry.
It's well-written and it's held my attention from the very first poem, "Beginnings". I've savored each and every word, felt each and every word as I read it, and could recognize myself and past experiences - both happy and sad - in each and every one of them.
I highly recommend "Reflections of Soul" to every one. I believe, truly believe, this is a "must have" for everyone who's old enough to have experienced the ups and downs of the heart.
Every person who has a tender heart should own a copy of this beautiful book of poems. You'll find yourself diving into it from time to time throughout your life as you experience the roller coaster of emotions this author has, and what she's masterfully put into touching poetry.
It's well-written and it's held my attention from the very first poem, "Beginnings". I've savored each and every word, felt each and every word as I read it, and could recognize myself and past experiences - both happy and sad - in each and every one of them.
I highly recommend "Reflections of Soul" to every one. I believe, truly believe, this is a "must have" for everyone who's old enough to have experienced the ups and downs of the heart.
May 23, 2014
From what was you may find what will be...
This blew me away. If I could double the 5-star rating I would. Reflections of Soul is a poetic story of how life can break you down and the journey of picking yourself back up. You will cry, you will laugh--but most of all you will FEEL. This work will leave you with a newfound respect for yourself and a newfound appreciation for others. Don't miss out, get Reflections of Soul today!
This blew me away. If I could double the 5-star rating I would. Reflections of Soul is a poetic story of how life can break you down and the journey of picking yourself back up. You will cry, you will laugh--but most of all you will FEEL. This work will leave you with a newfound respect for yourself and a newfound appreciation for others. Don't miss out, get Reflections of Soul today!
May 17, 2015
“Reflections of Soul” is a short, sweet, and straight to the point collection of poems written by author Queen of Spades. Her book examines her Trials and Tribulations as she grew up (and still growing). The result of the lessons that she has learned are documented in her poetic words.
For the one year and few months that I have gotten to know (and STILL getting to know) Queen of Spades, I have been privileged to walk with her in Her World. We have discussed what it was like for her to grow up as a Southern Girl, and then moving to other states; learning about people as well herself during her journey. “Reflections of Soul” has captured a great deal and more in regards to her upbringing, her challenges, her failures, and her successes during her life.
A few poems have caught my attention while reading her work.
“Butterfly” has a light and airy feel to it, and had me happily humming Pharrell’s hit “Happy”.
It looked at how Happiness (although should be pursued at times) should come to you, and it will arrive at the right time.
“Never Will” highlights the accumulated strength of Ms. Queen of Spades as she, despite having gone through several rough patches in her life, decides to Never let others' inadequacies dictate and determine her road.
“A Moment in Time Where Words Died” examined how what was her early works in the realm of her writing skills, abilities, and talents (ALL hard works) went up in flames and smoke due to the disrespectful acts of someone who felt that a profit from her gift would never come to fruition. To that person who did that deplorable act:
Looks like you were W-R-O-N-G.
I am NOT saying that Ms. Queen of Spades is in to writing for Profit. Her fan base purchasing her work and reading her gifts to the Writing World are proving that the heinous act committed was nothing more than a futile attempt to Break the Spirit and Will of Ms. Queen of Spades.
And it FAILED MISERABLY.
Ms. Queen of Spades’ poetry reminds me of my own works and writes. Despite roads taken by the both of us were different, they were in fact and in actuality pretty similar in some areas. We both had people tell us and say that what we are doing will not be accepted or successful. We have had people hurt us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
In essence, have we ALL not traversed this path? Have we ALL not faced adversities that showed our True Character? Have we ALL not looked into the eyes of our oppressors and vowed to NEVER allow them to keep us down anymore?
HELL YEAH WE HAVE and we are STILL going strong. NOT to Prove THOSE PEOPLE wrong, but rather Prove to Ourselves that WE DO have the Ingenuity, Intensity, Integrity, Strength, Passion, Drive, and Determination to be SOMEONE and SOMETHING in this life.
“Reflections of Soul” is a powerful collection of poetry that got me misty-eyed and DAMN PROUD of Ms. Queen of Spades. She has looked Adversity in the face, kicked it squarely in the balls, and kept moving forward. Her documentation of her life which is Reflected in her Soulful Poetry proves just that.
If you have not picked up a copy of “Reflections of Soul”, do yourself a favor: GET IT NOW!!!
For the one year and few months that I have gotten to know (and STILL getting to know) Queen of Spades, I have been privileged to walk with her in Her World. We have discussed what it was like for her to grow up as a Southern Girl, and then moving to other states; learning about people as well herself during her journey. “Reflections of Soul” has captured a great deal and more in regards to her upbringing, her challenges, her failures, and her successes during her life.
A few poems have caught my attention while reading her work.
“Butterfly” has a light and airy feel to it, and had me happily humming Pharrell’s hit “Happy”.
It looked at how Happiness (although should be pursued at times) should come to you, and it will arrive at the right time.
“Never Will” highlights the accumulated strength of Ms. Queen of Spades as she, despite having gone through several rough patches in her life, decides to Never let others' inadequacies dictate and determine her road.
“A Moment in Time Where Words Died” examined how what was her early works in the realm of her writing skills, abilities, and talents (ALL hard works) went up in flames and smoke due to the disrespectful acts of someone who felt that a profit from her gift would never come to fruition. To that person who did that deplorable act:
Looks like you were W-R-O-N-G.
I am NOT saying that Ms. Queen of Spades is in to writing for Profit. Her fan base purchasing her work and reading her gifts to the Writing World are proving that the heinous act committed was nothing more than a futile attempt to Break the Spirit and Will of Ms. Queen of Spades.
And it FAILED MISERABLY.
Ms. Queen of Spades’ poetry reminds me of my own works and writes. Despite roads taken by the both of us were different, they were in fact and in actuality pretty similar in some areas. We both had people tell us and say that what we are doing will not be accepted or successful. We have had people hurt us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
In essence, have we ALL not traversed this path? Have we ALL not faced adversities that showed our True Character? Have we ALL not looked into the eyes of our oppressors and vowed to NEVER allow them to keep us down anymore?
HELL YEAH WE HAVE and we are STILL going strong. NOT to Prove THOSE PEOPLE wrong, but rather Prove to Ourselves that WE DO have the Ingenuity, Intensity, Integrity, Strength, Passion, Drive, and Determination to be SOMEONE and SOMETHING in this life.
“Reflections of Soul” is a powerful collection of poetry that got me misty-eyed and DAMN PROUD of Ms. Queen of Spades. She has looked Adversity in the face, kicked it squarely in the balls, and kept moving forward. Her documentation of her life which is Reflected in her Soulful Poetry proves just that.
If you have not picked up a copy of “Reflections of Soul”, do yourself a favor: GET IT NOW!!!
July 19, 2014
There are times when we need to start to forgive ourselves for the incidents and happenings where we are the victims. We need to look at the cathartic presence in our lives of all those things which make us happy and address the circumstances and people who make us unhappy. These poems capture the nature of forgiveness, the guiding presence of writing, of abuse, of the glorious happiness connected with the world which surrounds us, and lays them bare for the reader. There are some fabulous lines and I am sure the author won't mind the quotation: 'Slowly and surely/my muscles relaxed/like the slow dripping/of maple syrup on pancakes.' Such arousing imagery is present throughout this collection, together with memorable juxtapositions, and honest prose.
The Queen of Spades is one of the best of the emerging indie poets I have read and this collection will stay with me for a long time to come.
January 14, 2014
Unexpectedly, I was gifted a copy of this short book of poems as a thank you for expressing interest in the author's Facebook page and giving her a 'Like'. I was not asked to review the book and I'm not very familiar with much poetry and my attempts at it in earlier years are best left a secret between my husband and I. That being said, when I was trying my hand at expressing my deeply emotional feelings for my husband, I found poetry to be a beautiful and passionate way of achieving this.
Reading Queen of Spades's Reflections of Soul, feelings were evoked in me and I felt great sadness for her pain. Her experiences as I interpreted them, were painful reminders of similar hardships that I endured far back in my past, and through these poems I felt a connection to the brave woman who dared to share them with the world.
Thank you, Queen.
Reading Queen of Spades's Reflections of Soul, feelings were evoked in me and I felt great sadness for her pain. Her experiences as I interpreted them, were painful reminders of similar hardships that I endured far back in my past, and through these poems I felt a connection to the brave woman who dared to share them with the world.
Thank you, Queen.
May 9, 2014
I purchased a kindle copy of Reflections of Soul after reading Private Pain. I have now bought all of Queen of Spades' books in paperback, as these are books I need on my shelf, not my e-reader!
Her poetry is heartfelt, real, and engaging. This is some of the best modern verse I have read. Reflections of Soul shows the author's journey into hope, love and joy. Yet remains refreshingly tethered to the realities of life.
I cannot recommend this poet's work highly enough. Go and buy all of her books--now.
Her poetry is heartfelt, real, and engaging. This is some of the best modern verse I have read. Reflections of Soul shows the author's journey into hope, love and joy. Yet remains refreshingly tethered to the realities of life.
I cannot recommend this poet's work highly enough. Go and buy all of her books--now.
May 4, 2014
Contemporary imagery of the cover: a plus. The use of the cream as opposed to the typical white on the inside: another plus. Lingering effect of the pieces: can we say plus?
A few of the pieces (like The Key and Soul of a Poet) could have been extended. They had a rhythm that was cut a bit short.
Glad to have it in my collection. :)
A few of the pieces (like The Key and Soul of a Poet) could have been extended. They had a rhythm that was cut a bit short.
Glad to have it in my collection. :)
June 6, 2014
This short body of work resonated with desire (no pun intended). Each work echoed a hunger for more and for better and each was met with a consequence. From disaster and disappointment to hope and triumph, this book has a level of might that was admirable and touching. I'm very glad to own it.
June 15, 2014
Queen of Spades is truly a poet at heart. Her stanzas carry a certain amount of depth that you can't find in very many poets in this day and time. Reflections of Soul was a kalediscope of human emotion, one which allows you to see your true self in a proverbial mirror.
December 2, 2014
I admit I’m not much of a poetry person, but I changed my attitude after reading this collection. A few of my favorite poems were Butterfly, Cloudy Days, Seeing Mankind, and Inside of Me. The poems are beautifully written and capture the essence of human emotions.
April 22, 2015
If I could sum up poetry in a few simple words, I would say that the stanzas are the music of the soul and the ink with which they are written are the poet's life blood.
Such is true in this phenomenal collection of poetry called "Reflections of Soul".
You glance at your inner most self as though peering through a looking glass, and what you see in the reflection is not your face but your essence.
Ripples in a pond in which ones image echos, are the strophes of each composition. Every undulation signifying something extraordinary.
"Reflections of Soul" continually gets the reader thinking about things like life as a whole, the meaning therein, the impressionability of what surrounds you and how all of these things interact together.
While this is a collection that can easily be consumed in one sitting, personally I preferred to commune with it slowly, allowing every poem it's time to make it's impression in my heart.
Among all of the eloquently constructed pieces, there was one line from one poem that fortuitously lingered.
It read: "... alas, reality is home" from the poem titled "Faded Dreams".
I found myself repeating that line time and time again in my mind, "alas, reality is home ... alas, reality is home ... alas, reality is home". Those four little words reverberated in my psyche. Powerful words!
Reality equals home. Home for many people, equals things unwanted. Unwanted things equals reality. Yet, one finds oneself facing reality on a daily basis, wanted or not.
Suffice it to say, that when it comes to poetry and human connection Queen of Spades has the "it factor" in spades. I have read this collection once already and I plan on reading it again and again.
If you've never picked up one of Queen of Spades poetry books, I urge you to, for you will not regret it.
Such is true in this phenomenal collection of poetry called "Reflections of Soul".
You glance at your inner most self as though peering through a looking glass, and what you see in the reflection is not your face but your essence.
Ripples in a pond in which ones image echos, are the strophes of each composition. Every undulation signifying something extraordinary.
"Reflections of Soul" continually gets the reader thinking about things like life as a whole, the meaning therein, the impressionability of what surrounds you and how all of these things interact together.
While this is a collection that can easily be consumed in one sitting, personally I preferred to commune with it slowly, allowing every poem it's time to make it's impression in my heart.
Among all of the eloquently constructed pieces, there was one line from one poem that fortuitously lingered.
It read: "... alas, reality is home" from the poem titled "Faded Dreams".
I found myself repeating that line time and time again in my mind, "alas, reality is home ... alas, reality is home ... alas, reality is home". Those four little words reverberated in my psyche. Powerful words!
Reality equals home. Home for many people, equals things unwanted. Unwanted things equals reality. Yet, one finds oneself facing reality on a daily basis, wanted or not.
Suffice it to say, that when it comes to poetry and human connection Queen of Spades has the "it factor" in spades. I have read this collection once already and I plan on reading it again and again.
If you've never picked up one of Queen of Spades poetry books, I urge you to, for you will not regret it.
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January 16, 2014This isn't a review, but I wanted to thank everyone for checking out the book and sharing their thoughts.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews