In Yaccaira Salvatierra’s Sons of Salt, the speaker claims she is willing to “hold up the empty fire / arm & search for you, / God, just to scare you / with what I am capable of doing / for my son.” Such a line ignites a powerful sense of love and its admirable the lengths that this woman will go if it meant she could save her child. It shows that love is imperfect and reckless, but never weak. I believe this collection of poems would be an exemplary read for anyone, but especially those who struggle with familial bonds, oppression, or motherhood.

Salvatierra’s poems draw readers into the worrisome world of motherhood. The speaker delves into her troubles with fathers and sons and highlights her effort to be a present mother. This collection also focuses on the unfair and harsh conditions of being a member of the Mexican-American community.

I really enjoyed Salvatierra's choice to integrate the Spanish language into her poems, something I interpreted as a skillful way for her to write both sides of her identity onto the page. I found Salvatierra’s collection captivating as she utilizes colored text to paint emotions and compares the speaker’s feelings to aspects of nature, predominantly that of volcanos and oceans. The shape of each poem is also just as captivating. It’s as if she is showing the reader the scramble of what is happening within the speaker’s mind, the scatter of thoughts and feelings. I was greatly moved by this collection and the speaker’s determination to protect what she loves, despite her fears.

--

Gabby Russell is a student at UMass Lowell, working toward her bachelor's in English. She received an associate degree in creative writing at Monroe Community College, where she was awarded for her poetry. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading a variety of literature, including fantasy novels and poems.