In his new book, Vivencias Reflejadas – Una Colección de Poemas en Español, José E. Grijalva uses his gifts of imagination and creativity to turn his readers into travelers of the universe. He has written about life experiences and issues, both real and imagined, with a vivid, intense and unique style that draws readers of all ages and all education levels. José’s command of the Spanish language is reflected in the lyrical beauty of each poem’s theme and each verse.

For fluent Spanish-speaking readers, Vivencias Reflejadas is a journey into their culture, and into the thoughts and emotions of their minds and hearts. Themes range from love and passion to spirituality, life and death, joy and sadness, the environment and global warming, education and much more. The 66 poems and 25 illustrations add depth and dimension to the reader’s experience.

For the readers who are not-so-fluent in Spanish, Vivencias Reflejadas provides all of the above, in addition to the opportunity to hone their Spanish-speaking and reading skills.

Below are examples of poems and their themes:
1. Aborto – An innocent unborn child who wants very much to live but who faces the reality of being aborted.

2. Camino de Salvación – The road to salvation. God as our Savior.

3. Grito Del Silencio Que No Se Quiere Escuchar – The Earth crying out in environmental agony, but no one listens.

4. El Niño Y El Héroe De Historieta – A boy daydreaming about comic book heroes and realizing his father is his true life super hero.

5. Eres Tu … Amor – A poem written for the author’s mother, whom he refers to as a saint. He speaks of the love she has for her children; her tender, loving care; her tolerance for their mischief; her worn but loving hands; her calm face.

6. Extraño Visitante – A strange visitor … a mouse in the house.

7. Ilusión Sin Concepción – The personal trauma of immigrants leaving their families in search of a better life.

8. Realidad Del Espejismo –The misery of crime, drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, loneliness, and how it has negatively impacted mankind.

9. Señora – A man encouraging a woman to be unafraid – to not pull her hand away. His eyes are witness to the beauty of this woman, to her sensuality … her smile … her lips. He longs to kiss her and make her his lover. He asks her to permit him to love her … just a little.

10. Tentación – The woman in this poem IS temptation. The author tactfully describes every aspect of a woman’s body – her eyes framed by perfect eyebrows; the color of her hair; her perfect nose; her lips and mouth; her elegant neck; her shoulders; the dangerous curve of her back; her majestic legs; her hips which beg to be kissed; her knees that carry a happy rhythm as she walks; her hands, which tame his bad moods.

11. Ya Lo Se … Te Vi – The author asks God if He is here? “I know You are. I feel your presence; I am a part of your universal essence. I see You in the face of that child’s smile; in the petals of the flower that bloomed; in the song of the bird that flew away; and even in the hard cold weather where You give me your warmth. I see You even in the smile of the homeless person appreciating the money I gave him. Good morning, Lord. Are you here? With great sweetness, you respond, ‘Yes, I am here.’ And, to my Creator, I say, Yes, I know, Lord. I see you.”