Agridulce: poetry and prose

by Dhayana Alejandrina, Victoria Helena (Illustrator)

This book is divided into two Lo Agrio and Lo Dulce. The poems in each of these sections represent emotions I have felt, as well as the stories of people I have encountered throughout my life. I believe that human connection teaches us about our meaning in life. Every time I have a conversation with someone or share a connection, I am welcoming their energy. This energy allows me to understand their experiences, as well as what they have learned. I use poetry to bring life to all the emotions we experience in this life journey, showing that to live is to embrace the good and the bad.

Lo Agrio

We often suppress negative feelings because we are afraid of others’ reactions, or afraid of facing our own darkness. We forget that these emotions can also teach us lessons, reshape our perspectives, and allow us to tap into our most vulnerable selves. As we experience pain, loss, anger, and heartache, we are also experiencing life. Once we learn to accept these emotions, we will be able to embark on a more meaningful personal journey.

Lo Dulce

At times, pain can come from love, just like love can come from pain. This chapter starts with finding inner peace by experiencing different forms of love—not just a love connection with someone else, but a love connection with ourselves. It represents a journey of self-acceptance and healing that leads towards opening ourselves to love, sexuality, and self-confidence.

162 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2021

About the author

Dhayana Alejandrina is a poet, storyteller, essayist, and writing mentor from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She performed her initial open mic in Okinawa, Japan, where she resided for four years. Her literary work scours inner growth, devotion, culture, and spiritual healing. The Dominican Writers Association, Al Día Newspaper, UNESCO MGIEP, Penguin India Publishing, and many others have published her. In 2021, Dhayana published her first collection of variant prose and poetry, Agridulce, which shines the light on the importance of acknowledging our emotions and experiences as a path to self-awareness and discovery.

Reviews

[Leisly Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like a conversation, which feels very comfortable & comforting. I really enjoyed the mix of poetry, prose, & journal entry-like pieces, as well as the bits of reflection / advice included throughout. A powerful collection on love, sensuality, self-love & growth, loss, & the importance of feeling it all - the sweet & the sour, the good & the bad, the beauty & the heartache.

[Ariela Osoria Roque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading poems written from and about my favorite island, brought me so much healing. It’s an easy read wherein I found so many recognition and also proud to be a Black queer Dominican woman.

[Carla Alejandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a beautiful well written poem where I felt my feelings mattered!

[Jhane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful body of work that can be felt through every poem and every word! What a talent!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book I thought I was in for a short read. The reality was a roller coaster of emotions. I found myself re-reading several poems or taking days to process the power of the words. This collection of poems takes the reader in an emotional experience full of self-reflection and healing. This collection connected me to my biggest heartbreak while also reminding me of my biggest strengths. This book was amazing!