S. L. Gore

Tikal

Tikal

emerald parrots scattering pink flowers under
green fronds swimming through fluid skies.
long-tongued iguanas licking at blue beetles as
saffron-winged butterflies waltzed with the breeze.
high-thatched roof of rustling wind over
green hammocks swinging striped from shadow to sun.
a weird wild calling of a plum-crested cock amidst
the buzzing and humming of swarming small life.
red blossoms reaching, entangling mossy ruins crowned by
regal roof-combs rising in relief.
a narrow dark path interred by dense forest with
serpentine foliage hanging, swinging from white bark.

– Peten, Guatemala
after the full moon in Aries 1973
Year of the Ox