(SPOT.ph) Love and loss are probably the most common and relatable themes in practically every art form—from film to musicals, from paintings to poetry. For Pierra Calasanz-Labrador’s second collection titled Dear Universe, she weaves together verses on love, longing, and “finding your place in the cosmos.” It also takes a peek into an introvert’s thoughts, a lover’s wishes and fears, and someone's quiet voice—as if looking into a secret diary. Dear Universe was released by Anvil Publishing's Spark Books on April 27, with an audio book recorded by TV host Joyce Pring that comes out this May.
Here are 10 excerpts that will give you all the feels.
“I’ll know I’ve found The One
When I slip my hand into his
And soar like a kite
While happily tethered
to
Home.”
—excerpt from Dear Universe
“You took my hand,
meaning to squeeze it for a second
but somehow you held on,
maintaining a grasp as long as our arms
would allow
as we began to walk away
in different directions.”
—excerpt from Intensity 10
“When the night descends
And the north wind comes
And lovers join
to keep each other warm
I’ll wrap my arms
around myself
And pretend you never left.”
—excerpt from When The Sky Is Red
“And so I couldn’t pull out my camera
Because I would look out of place
I didn’t want to remind you
I was only a tourist in your space.”
—excerpt from Fieldtrip
“Your persistence finally bewitched me
But
Somewhere between
The moment you picked up
With all your best intentions
And the goodnight kiss
That tasted like goodbye”
—excerpt from Charmed
“Too many minutes later, your voice drowned out
by the crowd,
talk turned to other matters;
I let it pass,
and you let me go.”
—excerpt from Listen
“But even if you could be right
I can no longer hear you
As pride cuts in
And we both
Bleed out.
This is how we lose
Each other.”
—excerpt from War Games
“I’ve learned you only reach for me
when you can plead
temporary insanity.”
—excerpt from Recovery Food
“The biggest crowds only make me feel
Empty inside”
—excerpt from Torpe
“I’m still stuck
In the same place
Merely treading water.”
—excerpt from Dogpaddle
Dear Universe: Poems on Love, Longing and Finding Your Place in the Cosmos (Spark Books, 2018) is available at National Book Store, Powerbooks, and Anvil Publishing's website for P395. The digital audiobook is available through Amazon, Audible, Kobo, and iTunes.
