James J Raciti

Reflections Beyond James J Raciti

Reflections Beyond is a wide-ranging collection of poetry and prose based on the personal experiences and observations of the author from his self-appointed perch as octogenarian. Some Reflections may challenge the reader to take instant action; others may create barriers to immediate understanding. Sharply opinionated, the author takes several caustic political jabs at national contemporary adversaries while maintaining poetic restraint. However, his views of America's Founding Fathers throw a realistic light on their legacy. He invites us to join him at dinner with James Michener and his surprising philosophy on young writers. Elsewhere, the author speaks of a shoe problem involving astronaut Neil Armstrong during a press conference in Heidelberg, Germany and relates an animated discussion during a plane flight with James Dickey to be a University of Maryland European Division commencement speaker. The author as a young man speaks of being robbed in a Paris bistro; is served absinthe in Amsterdam and frightfully watches as his legs detach themselves. He recounts his arbitrary arrest in Ethiopia for purchasing an antique battle sword from a street vendor without being given a receipt for it. Years later in Germany, the author helps a friend to move out of a house that Albert Speer owned and reclaimed following his release from Spandau Prison and its surprising resolution. The introspective side of the author is evident in his expressions of lost love and the death of his older brother. Vulnerability and sadness come with Reflections on his memories of his years living in Spain.