“Kites in summer sky, writing your name in the wind on silk wings and strings.”

– Haiku, “Sunsets are Sonnets and Other Poems”

 

Have you ever had that one person who brought a fleeting connection into your life, yet you wished it could last forever? That fragile bond, so delicate and temporary—no matter how tightly you try to hold on, some things inevitably slip away. That’s what I love about Cruz's haikus. He truly understands the power of words. Alvin B. Cruz’s "Sunsets Are Sonnets and Other Poems" is like a soft, evening breeze that stirs emotions long tucked away. From the start, Cruz’s poetry wraps you in its tender embrace, painting scenes of nature and life that are both vivid and soothing. Every poem, every haiku feels like a heartfelt confession, filled with the kind of honesty that’s both comforting and a little bittersweet. Speaking of his haikus, aren’t they just little gems? Cruz captures fleeting moments, like the first drops of rain or the calm after a storm. They’re simple yet profound, revealing the beauty in life’s brief, quiet pauses.

 

The illustrations by Jackie Cruz and Astrud Granada add another layer of beauty to the collection. They’re delicate and expressive, perfectly complementing the words and bringing its themes to life in a way that feels deeply personal.

 

"Sunsets Are Sonnets and Other Poems" is a tender, introspective read that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the ache of love or the quiet sorrow of loss. Cruz’s poetry gently reminds us that there’s beauty in both joy and pain and that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are found in the softest whispers of life.