<DIV><p>These poems mine the rich history and broad influence of Islam in Spain and beyond, and illuminate connections between places as diverse and far-flung as Puerto Rican villages, the bustling streets of New York, and the sun-drenched beaches of Morocco.</p><p>A finalist for the Lenore Marshall and Griffin poetry prizes, <B>Victor Hernández Cruz</B> is the author of several collections of poetry including <I>Maraca</I> and <I>The Mountain in the Sea</I>. Born in Puerto Rico, Cruz now divides his time between Morocco, Puerto Rico, and the United States.</p></DIV>