18 Hearts

About 18 Hearts

Yes, art is art. There's no need to explain. However, I've discovered through my life that, when you learn about what an artist really meant when creating that painting, movie, poem, etc., that can help you better comprehend their (he)art.

So, I've decided to give you a hand.

This book is the result of the last six years of my life. When I launched Poetic Frames on Instagram back in 2017 - thanks, Rafa! - I was going through a professional crisis. Going back to poetry was very therapeutic - and it has been ever since. I used to write poetry as a kid and went through a long time away from it. It's great to be back.

Organizing poems is almost impossible. They come in different shapes and sizes and represent unique poetic phases of my life (granted, a "poetic phase" may only last a few hours). So, I've decided to divide them into, well, shapes and sizes.

Part I of this book has the more traditional poems. When I say "traditional," I mean regular verses and stanzas. My poems are not perfectly metered, as formal poetic rules would require.

Read Part II when you don't have much time to spare. Need a quick shot of poetry and beauty in your day? Turn to this section of the book. Go for it. These short poems are a hit on Instagram because they are easy to digest.

Part III is - maybe - my favorite. Here I try to go beyond words and poetry and play with their shapes. I've always been a fan of concrete poetry, and this is my best attempt at it.

And finally, regarding the title: "18 Hearts." This is the poem that opens the book, but it is also more than that. Some people have asked me the question over the years: "What's 18 hearts?"

Ever since I came back to writing poetry, I have also begun to understand what really matters to me. Today, I try to downsize my life and much as I can, carefully selecting the actual stuff that surrounds me. At the end of the day, I really don't need much more than a simple home, food, and some clothes to live.

Nonetheless, I need many, many hearts to embrace, to absorb and experience this life to the fullest - and to love my friends, family, and lovers as much as I can.

"But why 18?"

Eighteen is not only a big number. It was also the day my brother, my sister and I were born. And they are always with me.