This book is more than just a collection of sonnets. It is an echo of ideas, emotions, and cultural interaction. Its creation would not have been possible without the support of incredible individuals whose dedication, inspiration, and belief turned this project into reality.

First and foremost, my deepest gratitude to Taras Bilynskyi, Dmytro Havrasyuk, Leonid Pashkevych, Yuriy Kosenko, and the Ukrainian Initiative NGO, who believed in this idea and made its realization possible. Your generosity and trust have allowed this collection to find its way to readers across the world.

My heartfelt thanks to the editor Enrique Aguilar Vega, who worked with every line and endowed them with greater depth, elegance, and refinement. For his invaluable contribution to the text, his meticulous attention to detail, tireless dedication to the written word, and for the adopted translation of the sonnet dedicated to the Caribbean.

Special thanks to the designers and layout artists – Alla and Viktor Zelenskyi, and Filip Voronin – for the artistic design that not only beautifies but adds new dimensions to the collection, turning it into a true aesthetic masterpiece. For the visual magic that complements the content and enriches it with deeper meaning and beauty.

Profound appreciation to the consultants and experts, especially Sergiy Borshchevsky, whose high literary evaluation helped me believe in myself and encouraged me to complete the works.

To those who helped me explore, feel, and understand the cultural nuances and uniqueness of Latin America, expanding the horizons of this collection: a whole constellation of Ukrainian ambassadors and staff of our foreign missions in the region, the leadership and colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, respected honorary consuls, and dear representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora. Without all of you, this collection would not have such depth—perhaps it might never have come to life.

With special warmth, I thank my friends and inspirers – Vitalii Lyaskovsky and Serhiy Myza, who ignited the flame of this idea with their words, actions, or simply by being there. You offered me new horizons for reflection, helped shape the concept, and supported me throughout the creative process.

My heartfelt bow to my family – daughters Diana and Anita with grandson Timur, sister Oksana Bugayenko, and my dear ones Zinaida and Volodymyr Leonchyk – for your constant spiritual and moral support, your faith, and your inspiration during the most meaningful moments of my life and while working on this collection. You motivated me and understood me, both when words were unnecessary and when they were my only pillar.

Immense thanks to Margarita Aristova, who believed and supported this project and suggested the fantastic idea of setting these sonnets and their translations to music—creating songs inspired by the fiery rhythms of Latin American and Caribbean countries, which I brought to life. You can now enjoy them directly on the website.

I also extend my gratitude to those who will promote the idea of this collection, organize readings, discussions, and help bring it to a wider audience – you will become an essential part of this creative chain.

And of course, my boundless, sincere thanks to you, dear readers! It is your curiosity, love of poetry, and thirst for discovery that breathe life into this book. You are the reason it was born. May its pages open new worlds before you and bring you inspiration, beauty, and spiritual harmony.

THANKS BE TO GOD!
AND THANK YOU, UKRAINE!