Black Mestiza Poetry Collection

Published by: The University Press of Kentucky Buy Here

Winner of University Press of Kentucky New Poetry & Prose Series

In Black Mestiza, Yael Valencia Aldana reckons with her identity as a Caribbean Afro-Latinx/e 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 picture of everyday life and Aldana’s experiences as a mixed-race woman, daughter, and mother.

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?” speaks to 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 as they transition 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 also a compelling celebration and expression of pride, recognition, and a profound sense of community.

Alien(s) Chapbook

From Sweetie Press
Who do we love? How do you love? Alien(s) is a spicy and focused collection that is one woman’s answer to these questions. It is rich with both love’s sharp bite and its delicious prickle. It is a raw journey that does not spare herself but is an unflinching love letter to our hearts’ imperfect angels.

This short poetry book traces love’s intimate trails from New York to Miami. With attentive language that is sometimes lyrical and sometimes Brooklyn real, Yael reckons with her multi-faceted relationships. Her precise poems navigate the complex waters of a boyfriend and ex-husband that look almost identical, soulmate friendships, love going right, affection gone wrong, and a woman confident in her flawed skin.