BY JAMIE CHAVEZ
I can hear the hoe
On the ground next door
Falling onto the bindweed
of existence.
The birds singing remember
High water in the arroyo
That is still coming.
Maternal waters from the monte.
The circle was planted in a field
Yesterday, with magpies observing
The winding motion on the acequia,
Rose petals travel blessed in the canals.
The fields plowed and disked
Furrows are ready, singing
For the harvest, as the matachines
Shake their rattles in the earth and in the water.
San Ysidro and his wife, Santa María de la Cabeza, are patron saints
to farmers, ranchers, farmworkers and day-laborers everywhere. The
procession and blessing of the waters in the Atrisco community took
place on May 15 at Holy Family Parish to pray for rain, crops and
community well-being. The final entrega (delivery) of the saints to the new
mayordomos/caretakers is to promote harmony and stewardship of the
land. Native blessings were shared by las Promotoras and in the dance
of the Matachines to the four quadrants of the universe. The walk along
the acequias in the Atrisco Valley evokes deep reflection. It reminds us of
our youth, when we watered, swam, fished and survived in our acequia
ecosystem. Agua es vida, Water is life!
Photos: Seth Roffman
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