Jeffery Martin has been among one of my favorite poets, for many years now. He has always written with great sensibility and depth. 'Ripples, Shadows and Huddled Scraps, ' is Jeffery's first novel. It is raw, it is real; speaking from the voice of the inner child. This is a story about a life; it is profoundly moving and at times, I had to pause; internalizing the emotion of the passages, as I was reading.
In Eastern cultures, the Buddhists infer that we choose our parents and our life experience, in each incarnation, to further advance our ascension as souls. If this is true, then it becomes logical that a soul in pursuit of higher perfection, will be tested us to its very depths.
This story of a life, depicts such arduous and difficult paths, endured by a young man on a mission; ultimately, to heal his inner child. He never loses his compassion; he does not allow the world to harden him; but he does allow it to strengthen his resolve. He survives, despite his pain, emotional abandonment and turmoil, subscribing to a much higher calling; authenticity.
The young man learns acceptance and self-love; he values inner knowledge over material gain. He learns the value of the masterpiece he is becoming, within. I was deeply moved by this book. It is not only inspirational; it encourages the reader to look within. Happiness is not found out there, peace is an inside job. He aspires to personal growth, knowledge and discovers miracles, where none should be found.
This is a very brave piece of work!
Brenda-Lee Ranta, Author/Poet