Sometimes I Smile: Collected Poetry

This poetry collection is an introspective look into several aspects of what it means to be human in this day and age. Many of the pieces serve as internal debates on topics such as human nature, love, death, lust, and fear. These poems also serve as a means of connection—a medium for the author to connect with the reader and the reader to the greater world. Through various poetic modes of haikus, sonnets, freeform, and strict time verse, we journey into the human mind to grapple with past trauma and, looking inward, start to see a path to healing. Many of the poems pull in essences of Buddhism, as well as allusions to popular culture, current and historic world events, arts, literature, and satire.

Derek Cross is a historian, musician, freelance artist, and poet. As a lifelong creator, he uses his art and writing as a form of expression and connection. He is also a dedicated Vajrayana practitioner who is helping to bring happiness to everyone through the arts. This is his second poetry collection.