These poets define what love and Latinidad mean to them

Love has a way of gathering humanity. De Los Latino poetry series: Love This illustrated poetry series will feature new works by Latino poets in Los Angeles and across the U.S. Each week in February, guest editor Melania Luisa Marte and four other poets will explore the theme of love with animated illustrations by Maria Contreras. Jiménez is a poet, performer, writer and first-place recipient of the 2021 Abya Yala Poetry Slam “America Cup.” Her first book, “Ritual Papaya,” is a compendium of rude, “isleña” and syncretic poetry. Angélica Maria Aguilera Burn Slowly My love burns slowly like Palo Santo, mole, chile poblano lingering on your taste buds smoldering sunsets red, orange aztec hues kissing the sun My love burns slowly so you should be careful how you hold me I could embrace you so warmly or in the eclipse of a kiss scorch you without warning This love is not a fairytale story this love is an altar unfolding a woman that romanticized her lonely and learned solitude to be holy In Mexico, ponen velas/candles on tombstones and ofrendas to guide souls that have passed away, back home So I never wanted to be someone’s firework, that explosion of romance they sell to us in telenovelas and American TV Instead let me be that unwavering light a cathedral of stubborn embers a subtle warmth that reminds you, this is home. Dhayana Alejandrina Love’s Identity Many times I’ve been asked, “What does love mean to me?” Each time, the answer rests softly within my heart, waiting for my lips to part and let the words unwind.