Semper Fi

by Ivan Villaluz, Ssareeta Singh (Illustrator), Ayo Gutierrez (Editor)

Semper Fi, “Always Faithful”is a collection ofverses and poems about faithhope loveand how these threematterin the journey of life.The beginning is an initiative of one’s mind to correct the moment to begin. The mindset of the Poets— to be in an adventure to world of words with flourishing ideas upon imaginative spell into poetry— is like a song in rhythm with to belong. A compelling thinking to do what the heart is paying rapt attention to, so too with The chemistry must rhyme with the minds of the Poets; the verbatims must dazzle into souls to be admired, of which all the verses created have relatable meaning; there should be noticeable approach to publish those composed poems in a book, with sweet formula employed, making every single poem with breathtaking quality, right from the opening line; and the verses should be always in silent spiritual under-current pulsation underneath every line, rewarding the readers intangible enrichment, apart from satisfying senses. Credibility be grasped by readers with those sensibilities of virtues presented. And, that formula is transcribed, glibly in this book Semper Fi (Always Faithful). With the faithfulness from the authors’– Ivan and Rosario Villaluz – hearts and minds conspired to Ars Poetica. Their perspective from their minds, that gray matters perceptions matter into phrases to be praised. Thusly this book of collaboration is noteworthy to ponder. Ency Bearis, RN, Poet, Author

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2020

Reviews

[Aurélien Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Semper Fi' ('Always Faithful' in Latin) is a strong collection of poetry telling of life as a divine symphony, with hope and love as main conductor. It's about finding strength in faith, and safety in being a servant of God.

Here indeed are poems telling both of the grandiose world around as the Lord's own canvas, and, the more mundane aspects of our daily lives from work (e.g. 'Time of My Day'...) to families and relationships as a whole. Calling it 'mundane' may sound pejorative, but it's everything but. The authors never preach to the reader in a condescending or lecturing manner, and I, although an atheist, certainly wasn't put off by their godly-inspired verses. If anything, I was struck by their humility, their deep understanding that life should be spent in serving and giving, values that will echo with many regardless of your religious creed (or lack thereof).

It can be profound (many poems read like prayers). It can be quirky (e.g. they dare clerihews about Judas and Peter!). It can be very simple yet straightforward in its depiction of human's fate as well as containing deeper spiritual meaning (e.g. 'To Live is to Love' might be one of my favourite in this whole collection). Each stanza, though, each verse, resonate like an heartbeat beating for us all. It actually has a conversational style which makes for great reading aloud!

Here's a beautiful collection full of hope, embracing Love in its wider meaning: an healing and exalted feeling echoing both the spiritual attachment to a Supreme Being and the thin yet indestructible thread connecting us all.

'Hear this beautiful song
To sing this to you I long.
Its rhythmic beat and angelic melody
Blended in the sweetest harmony.'

[Sycamore Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charity Villaluz and Ivan's book is very inspiring and soul touching. Their words spring from compassion and human experiences...which will surely increase the depth of your humanity.