Black Mestiza: Poems

"For our ancestors below the sea from our ancestors across the sea I see you, you see me. In this powerful, profound, and prophetic collection, Yael Valencia Aldana reckons with her identity as a Caribbean Afro-Latinx woman with Indigenous, Black, and white roots and pays homage to the legacy, resilience, and fortitude of her ancestors. These stunning poems paint a vivid portrayal of everyday life and personal experiences as a mixed-race woman, daughter, and mother, and take readers on a journey as she comes face-to-face with her past, present, and future. The Pushcart Prize-winning poem "Black Person Head Bob" addresses how Black people silently yet soulfully acknowledge and "see" each other. "Why Don't You Write About Joy?" acknowledges the suffering that women of color endure while their cries and spirit remain resolute: "because you cannot hear me doesn't mean I am not singing." "Small Dark and Moving" skillfully represents the poet's journey and the souls she carries with her, evoking images of evolving landscapes and beings transitioning through different forms. The poet beautifully interweaves narratives regarding the constant presence and influence of her Caribbean parents and a desire for more connection with her Colombian grandmother and ancestry, capturing the essence of origins, blood ties, and the idea that nothing is ever truly lost. This collection is not only a testament to Aldana's deep-rooted connection to her heritage, but a compelling celebration and expression of pride, recognition, and a profound sense of community"--