Colcha

by Aaron A. Abeyta

In Colcha, Aaron Abeyta blends the contrasting rhythms of the English and Spanish languages, finding music in a simple yet memorable lyricism without losing the complexity and mystery of personal experience. His forty-two poems take the reader on a journey through a contemplative personal history that explores communal, political and societal issues as well as the individual experiences of family and friends. With his distinctive voice, Abeyta invites people of all cultures to enter his poems by exploring the essence of humanity as expressed by his particular Hispanic culture and heritage.

Marked by intimacy and deep sentiment, Colcha not only acquaints us with the land of Abeyta's people, but also reveals the individuals from his life and family history in the most colorful and delicate detail. We meet his abuelitos (grandparents) in poems such as "colcha" and "3515 Wyandot," and hear of their connection to the tierra and its seasons, their labor and its bounty presented both viscerally and lovingly. We also meet the nameless people: the rancheros and the herders and the farmers, the locals in their pick-up trucks, and the women who make the tortillas. Abeyta's reflections on the plight, loves, joys, failures, and exploitation of the common person in such poems as "cuando se secan las acequias," "untitled (verde)," and "cinco de mayo" belong to the literary heritage of such poets as Pablo Neruda, Federico Garcia Lorca, and Walt Whitman.



Colcha is not just for those who love poetry, but for all people who wish to be moved by the music of language and, while listening, perhaps to gain some personal insight into their own lives and cultural traditions.

Genres: Poetry

Paperback

First published April 15, 2001

Reviews

[Mary Vermillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely collection of poems pays tribute to abeyta’s home--Antonito, Colorado--and its history of resilience.

[Corrinne Brumby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book of poems. They are all deeply rooted in place. I feel as if I am there with him in his home when I read these. His style is honest and personal.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of those person-to-person type collections that makes you feel less like the poet is reflecting on the world, but that the poet is allowing the world to reflect on them in a very intimate, personal discussion. This can be interesting and enlightening in light of the specific poet, but for me this collection was full of too many personal metaphors and anecdotes for me to feel like I could relate as fully to the pieces as I have to other poetry collections from the same culture. It feels less like a commentary on a life than it feel like small snapshots of a very interesting life- which is a good read, but doesn't last in the mind for too much longer after closing the collection.

[Karen Hausdoerffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron Abeyta's kindness as a human being shines through the questions of land and heritage and loss. Compelling voice. He writes about the San Louis Valley, the next valley over from us

[Stinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Award winning work, about family and life in the San Luis Valley.