Photo by D.R. Wagner, Elk Grove
THE FOREIGNER WHO DIED IN JUCHITAN
—Pancho Nacár, Zapotec, 1909-1963
He died, in our land where he came to stay.
His death hurt no one.
Only an old mat wrapped him
and covered his face on the way to the grave.
Friendless, he had not even one offering,
dead now and bound for the grave.
He was borne on the shoulders of our people.
His own had already forgotten him.
An old neighbor from the cemetery
who guided the life of his only son,
cut wild flowers from along the road
and placed them on the quiet face.
The boy cut the limb of a tree
which filled the path with shadows,
and made a cross with a log
to mark the fresh grave.
When people visit the dead,
men of pure soul
will leave him flowers of cordoncillo,
though he died alone in Juchitán.
(translated by Brian Swann)
Photo by D.R. Wagner
__________________
—Medusa