Reflections Off the Lake

From Midwest Book Review, February 2023

Timely, relevant, absorbing, memorable, thoughtful and thought-provoking, “Reflections Off the Lake, Poems on Life, Love and Democracy” has the highest recommendation possible for personal, community, and academic library Contemporary American Poetry collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that “Reflections Off the Lake, Poems on Life, Love and Democracy” is also available in a paperback edition (9781937667290, $27.99).

Stop and reflect on what is truly important as we confront the challenges of the second decade of the Twenty-First Century

At a time in American life when citizens are inundated with highly charged sound bites on social media platforms to choose the best product to purchase, to accept the legitimacy of often diametrically opposed political ideologies without critical analyses, or to evaluate their lives compared with “influencers” who create images of the “good life,” this little book is offered as a brief respite for all who seek refuge in personal reflection.

The selection of poems on Life, Love, and Democracy, challenges the reader to confront the dangers to Democracy in the Twenty-First Century both in America and throughout the world. Drawing upon the visions of individuals from across the centuries, the poems offer numerous paths by which to join in solidarity with those who choose love over hate. Beautiful in its imagery and verse, it is a reminder that we still retain the ability to overcome the sense of powerlessness which seems to engulf our modern societies through the timeless functioning of Nature. Most importantly, the book re-enforces an understanding that we are on a never ending journey toward individual and collective freedom.

Steven O. Ludd has deep roots in the soil of Vermont. The descendant of generations of farmers, a state Representative, and cheese makers, his passion for the people and the beauty of the Green Mountains is in full display in Reflections Off the Lake. So too is his commitment to the protection of democracy both in America and across the world.

He presently resides in Saratoga Springs, New York with his wife Oksana Mihaychuk Ludd.