Note from the author: “I wrote this piece for an LGBTQ writing competition last year. The topics were centered on concepts like sexuality, acceptance, and freedom of expression. It was very nerve-racking for me to write about the topic, but once I did, it felt liberating. It felt right. This poem narrates the story of finding your sexuality, accepting it, and loving it. I believe that people should love who they want to love; feeling loved and safe within yourself and having a support system is important. No one should feel “less than” or allow anyone to make them feel unworthy of respect because of their identity or sexuality. This poem sends a message to not hide and to not fear loving or being who you are. This poem is featured in my debut poetry book, Agridulce.”

 Sexuality

She found me at a really young age.

Opening myself like a fragile book,

I welcomed her. 

Little by little,

she showed me that the heart 

sees no color, no gender, or religion.

Although society had an agenda of its own,

I could not control my emotions

or the curiosity building up.

Can you blame me for that?

For wanting to love whoever I want?

Hello, sexuality, I whispered.

Scared of where my emotions may take me,

I wonder whether I should take off

the mask so the world can see me for who I am.

Would you hold my hand as I take this path?

Sexuality, you have taught me so much.

Even when it hurts

I still find a way to love.

Incredible,

the things the heart can do.

I just want to be somebody’s rainbow 

when they are feeling blue.

I just want to be the light

that makes them forget about the dark.

I just want to be the reason they no longer hide.

Agridulce is a book of poetry and prose that combines emotions, thoughts, and experiences. It is divided into two sections: Lo Agrio and Lo Dulce. The poems and prose pieces in each of these sections are inspired by emotions, love stories, and connections with people that made an impact on my personal growth.

I use poetry to express the journey of human emotions, showing that to live is to embrace the sweet and the sour in life. We can't live with just one emotion. Therefore, we need to understand all of them as we feel them. This allows us to learn to empathize with others, as well as ourselves. It is important to remember that emotions are created through experiences and we are souls on earth experiencing life together.

Pre-order Agridulce here: https://dhayana-alejandrina.square.site/product/AgridulceBook/1