KB Eliza’s Orphic Wonder is a poetic journey through the raw and the transcendent. It’s a book without rigid structure, a collection of verses that invites the reader to dive in at any page and find something that resonates. The poetry explores themes of femininity, self-discovery, faith, trauma, and the bittersweet weight of memory. The language shifts between sharp and lyrical, at times comforting, at others confronting. Each poem feels like a whispered truth, something felt deep in the bones, just as the author promises in the introduction.

Eliza’s writing is unapologetically vulnerable. Poems like “The Postman is a Stranger” cut deep, exploring how illness and time reshape relationships. There’s an almost cinematic quality to her imagery, one moment you’re with her at a doorstep, feeling the weight of a changed face, and the next, you’re watching parcels left without smiles. Then there’s “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” which hits like a gut punch, weaving together memories of trust and violation with a steady, almost quiet rage. These poems don’t just ask to be read; they demand to be felt.

Not every poem is somber. There’s joy, nostalgia, and resilience woven throughout. “No Crumbs” radiates a sense of defiant celebration, dancing barefoot, singing loudly, and drinking from the best crystal just because. It’s a reminder that life, despite its chaos, is meant to be lived fully. “Burleigh Heads” is a sunlit memory, rich with beachside warmth and the comfort of familiar words from a loved one. These pieces show Eliza’s ability to balance light and dark, making sure the book doesn’t drown in its own heaviness.

At times, the poetry leans into the abstract, which can be both a strength and a challenge. Some pieces feel like riddles wrapped in emotion, requiring multiple reads to fully grasp. “The Architect” and “Matrix” explore metaphysical ideas that leave the reader pondering, but they also risk feeling elusive. That said, this quality adds to the book’s charm and it doesn’t hand you answers but instead nudges you toward your own interpretations.

Orphic Wonder is for those who appreciate poetry that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of existence. If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, faith, or the ghosts of your past, there’s something here that will echo in you. It’s the kind of book you keep nearby, flipping through when you need a moment of connection. Eliza’s words don’t just sit on the page; they linger, they whisper, they stay.

Pages: 212 | ASIN : B0DHSZ51GB