Two Poems: "Reveries" and "Xibalba"

By Ketzali Antu Saravia Umaña

"Reveries"
 
Alone, atop the rubble
With only a phantom limb
to care for my wounds
Her breath still lingers but she,
she is gone
 
The light of the moon washes over my face
as I search the cosmos
For the brightest star
 
A cool breeze blew
Through these thickets of grass and I,
I was home
 
The light of the moon washed over my face
the cosmos reveal themselves to me
Like a ball game amongst celestial bodies and I,
I was home
 
Mourning dawned
She was draped in ash
A thousand crows
Perching on her chest
I was to wear my finest black
The stars aren’t as bright as they used to be
Mother has passed and I,
I was home
 
Come dawn
They will desecrate her grave
Pillars will rise skyward
Pierce right through mothers’
beating heart and I,
I was home
 
I was to keep time for her
It is too bright out now
Cannot see the stars anymore
the game is over
 
Alone, I walk along the rubble
With only a phantom limb
to care for my wounds
Her breath still lingers but she,
she is gone
 
The light of the moon washed over my face
As I searched the cosmos
For the brightest star
 
A cool breeze blew
Through these thickets of grass and I,
I was home.

"Xibalba"
 
Through moonlit tunnels
And sun charred roads
A river of scorpions, I must cross
A keen eye detects
death and deceit
Trials await me
As the blood thirsty
Howls of the coyote’s grow
 
Journey of necessity
Not of choice
Lords of the land
Have twisted my arm
Further than it can go
So, the river of scorpions, I must cross
 
With blistered feet and bleeding wounds
Patient vultures await my demise
Circling above me
I am prey
 
Heart of Sky, grant me safe passage
Guide me through this wretched place
Traverse the scorched earth
Lead me home
 
Lords of the land
Have twisted my arm
Further than it can go
So, the river of scorpions, I must cross
 
Roam free Feathered Serpent
Roam free, sing,
you are captive no more
No voices to be heard
You are free
 
 
Heat swells my neck
A sudden shift
A pinched nerve?
Collapsing at the knees
To rest in crimson comfort
Follow me into my moonlit chasm
Heart of Sky, I rest with you.