Book excerpt: "Carlos Carbajal's poetry weaves together images from mythology, social science, and Latin American history with the truths of his own heart. Th e result is a textured cloth that speaks to his experience as a father, teacher, lover, and immigrant. Standing at the juncture of many worlds, Carbajal speaks with a unique voice, full of honesty, passion, and hope. It is a voice that calls us all to fi ght for our dreams." Jerusha Matsen Neal, Princeton Th eological Seminary "Carlos has a true ear for poetry and the English language. His poems jump off the page, creating a lasting impression. His work is a must read for poetry enthusiasts." David Hattem, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey "Carlos, I had the opportunity to read your poems and found them to be quite intriguing, placing one in a state of absence interminable. Th e collection of verse and prose tends to touch the hearts and souls of the readers as they refl ect upon the subject in question, often ending with the perception that it is I,' the reader, whom the author is writing about." Marie Conceptia Girault, Essex County College "Amazing work! I have known Carlos for several years. His circumstances and the circumstances around him are represented in his work. Your words paint a vivid picture of the moments. Well done, my friend, well done." Carol A. Jonas, S.T.A.R.S. Academy "In this collection of poems and essays, Carlos Carbajal off ers an intimate, lyrical, and passionate diary of a man who loves. He loves his family, his students, his native Peru, and his second homeland, the United States. Th e reader is all the richer for it." Maria Enrico, Borough of Manhattan Community College, City University of New York