Petrichor

/ˈpeˌtrīkôr/ a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.

This is the first work Paola de Varona has published, and seems to be her attempt to dip her feet into the world of publication and poetry. 

Though she has bright uses of imagery and fresh language that awakens the reader, she seems to lack an editor. She expands on concepts that tear away from the beauty of the images. If you have to explain it, it's not poetry. The concept of "show, not tell" is something we are all taught early in writing. Often only reversed in journalism or experimental works. Showing the reader through emotive writing without explicitly stating every detail shows a writer's ability.

As a young writer, it was gutsy to put her work on the line and self-publish. However, I think that it might be her inexperience in publishing and writing that are brought to attention. For example, 'You' is a two page poem that reflects on the relationship of a couple and how the narrator was affected. Editing the work would remove the unnecessary articles and ramblings to highlight the pillars the poem stands on. 

That is not to say that her language wasn't wonderful. 'Sangria kisses' and the combination of 'front porch lights and too many drinks' are beautifully intwined. But time, editing, and reading are the only educators who can bring the best of her work forward. I am hopeful that the next time she publishes her work I can speak more fondly on the poetry. Until then, I sit disappointed wondering at the untapped possibilities.