Rudolfo Anaya - May 6, Iyengar II & I

I’ve always meant to read this piece during “Lilac Season” here in Santa Fe, but somehow have never managed it. This year the Lilacs are spectacular and I finally remembered.

Water May 1st, 2007, Jemez Springs

There is water in my soul.

Sometimes it runs so strong

I am afraid I will drown.

Acequia water sprinkles the lawn.

Moth and wasp come to drink.

In Jemez Springs the mayordomos

guard the water.

Water runs in their veins.

Water runs in the elm seeds that

fall like tiny helicopters,

Turning round & round.

They cover me like moss

covered Rip Van Winkle.

I smile at nature.

That old bitch is pure water.

She guards the water

in rock & tree & lilac blooming.

In Jemez Springs colors so pastel,

those without water in the soul

do not see them.

I am in nature.

I guess I am a poet, because

water runs in my soul.

I cannot stop it.

I dare not. I am

becoming green…