New San Juan

^{first published in Ate Mais: Until More (2024)}

Mama’s name was Loíza (Yuiza)

Loíza was cacica of Jaymanío

Loíza saw vessels gnaw the horizon

Loíza saw through a spyglass of vitra

The sculpted ceiba communicator said:

gird your skirts

gather cassava

speak only in dreams

Loíza gathered her children around the glow of the rotors

      Loíza pointed with her lips and all hushed

Her children folded their bodies into threes

They crawled into their heads

Loíza pointed with her brow

They crafted ships of wood and bone

Three-cornered ships

That dart through stars and cells:

wait for the signal

watch the mantle

speak only in dreams

Loíza walked down the river Loíza

Brown arms opened to the sea

The vessels leered

They tacked

Loíza crawled into her head