October 13 1992 at Yaxchilan

The day after the five hundred years of Columbus landing

by Pina Piccolo

The Morning After glow

Of the forest

Who survives

The foolishness

Of civilizations,

Regenerates herself

From disturbances

At ground level

Witnesses species

Aglitter and extinguish

Proud organisms shrivel up

In a combustion of arrogance.

Yes, she was affected,

Her tears of mourning

Mistaken for dew,

Her sighs of disapproval

Thought to be wind.

Yet her deep roots

Still gripped the earth,

Temple stones

Corroded by moss

Became sand

Transported by ants.

Even the poisons

Floating on the water

Were purified

Beating

Mile after mile

On rocks

Nature trying to

Wash off a stain.

Forest, now, we pull

Limbs

Off your spreading body,

A demented weather

Dries your wells,

Nasty kids

Playing god,

Tug at your

Apron strings.

No longer waiting

For discoverers or messiahs

You stand attached to the soil

And bend,

Bowing to the wind,

Breathe life

Into an uncertain planet.

(1992)