Exploring love and longing in ‘all the little, lonely, and forgotten things’

The poetry collection all the little, lonely, and forgotten things by Gibson Perez offers a multifaceted exploration of love, longing, self-discovery, and the passage of time through various poetic forms including sonnets, haiku, senryu, tanka, and prose poems. He delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships, portraying raw emotions with honesty and depth. Characterized by poignant imagery, rich symbolism, and introspective reflection, the collection invites readers on a journey through the complexities of human experience.

One of the standout elements of Perez’s collection is the masterful use of symbolism, particularly the recurring motif of stars and constellations. These celestial references serve as powerful metaphors for the vastness of emotions and the complexities of human connections, adding depth and layers to the poems. The use of other poetic devices such as enjambment, repetition, and metaphor further enhance the richness of the verses, creating a captivating reading experience that resonates with readers on a profound level.

Structured in a way that offers diverse themes and emotions to explore, Perez leaves no stone unturned in his exploration of love and connection, from the exhilarating highs to the painful lows of relationships. The alphabetized memories in one of the poems provide a unique and effective structural device, offering a fragmented yet cohesive glimpse into the speaker’s past experiences, adding another layer of depth to the collection.

The use of poetic language and imagery in Perez’s work is particularly striking, painting vivid scenes that evoke a range of emotions in the reader. Whether exploring the intricacies of desire in sonnet to mid-April or reflecting on the enduring nature of relationships in heartworm, each poem is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

One of the collection’s most notable strengths is its ability to seamlessly blend traditional poetic forms with modern themes and language. In maybe let me call you May, Perez masterfully intertwines seasonal transitions with emotional growth, creating a nuanced portrayal of love and courage. Similarly, in the ride, the speaker navigates the uncertainties of relationships with lyrical prose that resonates with authenticity and depth.

Perez’s prose poems offer a particularly introspective look into the inner world of the speaker, delving into themes of introspection, nostalgia, longing, and uncertainty. Through vivid imagery and lyrical prose, each piece captures the essence of human experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own emotions and experiences.

all the little, lonely, and forgotten things is a compelling collection that offers a comprehensive exploration of love, longing, self-discovery, and the passage of time. With its raw honesty, poignant imagery, and introspective reflection, Gibson Perez’s poetry leaves a lasting impact on readers, making it a standout contribution to contemporary poetry.

Santiago Villafania

Mangaldan, Pangasinan | February 14, 2024

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This review first appeared as a foreword of the first edition of the book (2024).