ATL TLACHINOLLI—BURNING WATER

Symbol in the language of the Aztecs/Mexica (Náhuatl), meaning "water, burnt (or scorched) earth." The metaphor consists of two opposite elements (literally)—water and fire, forming two streams that join together to form one key idea (war, upheaval). Each element is a source of energy (life-force) but can also be one of destruction.

Another metaphor, perhaps even a better one, that comes to mind, is: IN XOCHITL IN CUICATL—THE FLOWER AND THE SONG, meaning "poetry," in Náhuatl.

Poets are referred to as "FLOWER-SINGERS" in pre-Columbian cultures, "poems," are literally "FLOWER-SONGS." Isn't that beautiful!

The duality in your poem, Anthi, spurred me to think of these concepts.