Darkness reigned over water and land Tezcatlipoca waved his mirrored hand
Four faces had he not two, one for each direction they grew
One creator, another of life, agriculture yet one more of war and strife
A seed planted Xilonen maiden of corn did grow, golden hair tassels of snow
Tlaloc came in rain, piercing cloud's bellies, quenching corn's thirsty pain
Xipe Toteuc with obsidian blade, severed her head, the sacrifice made
Peeling corn's husk foot to chin, lord over all, now dressed in her golden skin
Bleeding corn to thresh, a sacrament ground by teeth is her flesh
Naked cob, now her bones discarded, with Mictlantecutli to the underworld departed
Out of that darkness again she will raise when Tlalocayotl, the east wind, cries
-
Author:
sorenbarrett (
Offline) - Published: May 9th, 2025 03:27
- Comment from author about the poem: Tezcatlipoca the creator god of the Aztecs has four avatars representing the four directions. His obsidian mirror used to see the future Xilonen corn maiden, each year a girl selected to represent her was treated as a princess for a month then beheaded to represent the harvest of the corn. Tlaloc god of rain, thunder and storm Xipe Toteuc (the great flayed one) a god of sacrifice wore the flayed skins of his victims until they rotted off. (imitated by the priests at the sacrifice) The Aztecs believed that eating the flesh of sacrificial victims and their hearts gave them their strength and made them slaves to the eater. Mictlantecutli is the god of the underworld Tlalocayotl is the god of the east wind or creation
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 45
- Users favorite of this poem: Teddy.15, arqios, Tristan Robert Lange, Friendship, Damaso
Offline)
Comments12
A wonderful title that has set the scene for another magnificent poem. 🌹
Thanks so much Teddy for the read and kind words of encouragement. You are most appreciated
This is an amazing fable inspired by the Aztecs. Very enjoyable read. Excellent rhyme scheme as well
Thank you so much for the review my friend your words are always most appreciated and valued
It was this type of take that drew me in as a child and the needing to know was so great that kept the lore despite the gore🙏🏻🕊️
Thanks Cryptic not in my area of expertise but my senior year at the University I got the privilege of taking a course from the world foremost expert on Aztecs and it stuck with me more than any of my primary courses. To this day I remember their primary gods and goddesses and the majesty of that lost culture.
I am thankful for the author's notes otherwise I would not have a clue, enjoyed the read and liked the layout
The names are difficult in that they are Nahuatl and spent a bit of time learning the proper pronunciation. Learning about that lost culture was one of the best courses I took at the University. To this day I remember it better than my major courses. Thanks so much for the read and comment it is most appreciated.
You are very welcome
A fine write, SB. I would consider getting laid before Spring.
Doesn't work Jerry have to be a virgin as sacrifices always do. Thanks so much for the read and comment it is appreciated
That's why I would get laid—a free ticket to life.
That makes sense.
Good write SB.
Thanks Orchi it is appreciated
I used to love learning about the Aztecs and remember Tezcaltipoca. A fantastic and rich poem, my friend. Well done! 🌹👏
Thanks Tristan although the Greek pantheon is richer in its metaphors Aztec mythology is one of my favorites and it pains me to think how much was lost. I appreciate the read and comment my friend
For sure! It's very painful to know, indeed. You are most welcome, my friend!
Reminiscent of the film ''apocalypto'' ! A civilization of cruel greatness !
In trade the Mayan's and Aztecs shared much culture. Thanks for the read Lorenz and comment it is appreciated
A most intriguing poem that has roused further investigating into the culture of the Aztecs. I know of the Aztecs through Spanish history. How Cortes destroyed most everything including their great library, as horrendous as the destruction of the library in ancient Alexandria. Your knowledge beams bright in every line as does your poetic acumen. A very interesting and well composed passage of poetry.
All the best,
Tony.
Tony I hold your words in great respect. I have always loved mythology and was fortunate enough to connive my way into a course on the Aztecs taught by One for the foremost world authorities on them just before he retired and hold it as one of the best classes I have had in any subject area, holding that knowledge to this day some fifty five years later. Anything that moving to a young kid deserves preservation. Thank you so much for your read and kind support it is always most appreciated.
The poem masterfully weaves together threads of Aztec mythology, illuminating deities such as Tezcatlipoca (the god of the night sky and conflict), Tlaloc (the rain god), and Xipe Totec (the god of agricultural renewal). It celebrates the profound cultural significance of corn in Mesoamerican societies, where it was not only a staple food but also a vibrant symbol of life and fertility. The themes of sacrifice and rebirth are beautifully intertwined with agricultural cycles, making the poem profoundly relevant in exploring the intricate relationship between humans and nature. The poem's thoughtful exploration of these themes resonates deeply with contemporary discussions on sustainability and the cyclical nature of life. The exact historical context is not specified, but it evokes traditional narratives that have been passed down through generations, likely reflecting ancient practices and beliefs.
Thank you so much for the read and interpretive comment it is most appreciated. The Aztec pantheon is one of my favorites rich in metaphor but not so much as the Greek.
This is just genius. Those Aztecs were quite serious people and you have nailed the heart of it. Wonderful.
Thank you Dan your generous words brighten my day and are deeply valued.
Very good words soren, I was absolutely intrigued by them.
Andy
Thanks so much Andy your words are deeply valued by me.
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.