“Catrina” by Xanath Caraza

Catrina
By Xánath Caraza
Translated from the Spanish to the English by Stephen Holland-Wempe

Mictecacíhuatl, it was.
As an elegant Catrina,
the one in the wide-brimmed hat
transforms herself.

Garnet floods one’s sight
crimson memories flow
while autumn leaves
paint wide-open prairies.

Tree of life, extend your branches
and allow the spirits’ rebirth.
On the tips of the branches,
flares of divine fire flicker.

Ancient river, roar of courageous water
flowing through caves, you are born
as thunder in one’s ears.
Butterflies listen.

Behold.  Orange
Fluttering, fill her
with your vital life-force.
Spirits of the ancestors,
cover her heart.

Orange cloud
sacred swarm in the air
tangles in her hair and
becomes one with her.

Fluttering of the orange
butterfly on her bones,
her divine breath whooshes.

Life continues;
it trickles through her hands.

Mictecacíhuatl, it was.
As an elegant Catrina,
the one in the wide-brimmed hat
transforms herself.

Papel picado rustles
announcing Catrina.
Opulent, she emerges with a procession
of orange butterflies.

Exquisite silk covers her bones.
Gold and shimmering dew
drops on her neck
as glittery jewels.

Her distinguished gaze
is timeless.
In her boney hands,
light, memories, and life.

She dances with her wide-brimmed hat.
The wind dances with her, and
shrouds her in the smoke of copal.
It bathes her in yellow flowers.

Catrina twirls and twirls
in the arms of death,
most enchanting and cheerful melody.
Opalescent spirits surround her.

Her mouth exhales the song
of zempasúchiles and chirimías.
She smiles at death as she twirls.
Candles flicker amber light.

In her dazzling dress,
cheerfulness is embroidered.
Kaleidescopes of Monarch
butterflies are born from her hat.

Her flamboyant gait from altar to altar
is remembered on this night of celebration.
Delightful music plays on.
The ambiance is filled with contentment.

Fragrance of copal and sugar
calaveras comfort the souls.
Steaming chocolate on one’s palate.
Pink papel picado flitters.

Exquisite flavors suit this
festive evening.  Life fills
this place where Catrina dances and
twirls, radiating joyfulness.

Only on this evening, the living and the deceased
are hand in hand.  Hot chocolate
and amber light bathe our gait
among flowers, papel picado, and smiles.

Cazuela filled with mole spills
onto the altar.  The shiny sugar-covered
pan de muerto summons forward
with a delicious aroma.

Catrina dances, smiles, and sings
radiating happiness as
rays of yellow flowers
and trembling papel picado.

Smoke arising from the copal guides us.
Zempasúchiles greet us
meanwhile
Catrina dances on.