Flood and Fire

The seventh cuicatl in Songs of the Lords of Anahuac, my English translation of the codex Romances de los señores de la Nueva España.

From Atlixco¹

The flower dust rises,
the bells are ringing out²
in Atlixco, city upon water,
within the house of flowers.

The Giver of Life is amused,
O princes, by blossoms.
Let there be dancing
within the house of flowers.

Burgeoning spread
the cacao blooms,³
the popcorn flowers,⁴
budding and blossoming
on the Isle of Mexico.⁵

Right there can
nobility be found,
you eagles and jaguars,⁶
budding and blossoming

Yet they will wither,
these shield flowers,⁷
in Anahuac,⁸
upon the field
where debts are paid.⁹

The shield flowers whirl,
precious popcorn flowers
that rest in our hands
in Anahuac,
upon the field
where debts are paid.

Gorgeous blooms
of rushing flood
and blazing fire¹⁰ —
We are only wrapped¹¹
with the flowers…