Coatlicue

How did you know I would find you?

How did you know I'd be covered in snakes?

Time is an illusion

We have always been connected

Recognition is the illusion

— and the reveal

I have always known you

— your ancestors diverge and converge in you

knowledge is not diluted

— it is translated and amassed

— unless it is destroyed by those

— afraid of their own loneliness in the world

They do not know themselves

They underestimated stronger ancestors

— stronger ties

they forget that the body is only one vessel in this realm

they forget that the unseen can be known

Even as they know that touch is its own illusion

here, I have always known you

here, you have always known me

here, you are your own

— grandmother’s grandmother’s grandmother

— and your own grandchild’s grandchild’s grandchild

my eyes have seen you through the generations

— and you always search for me

— and you recognize me when you meet me again for the first time

I am always happy to have you back again

I can hold you in matching arms

as my snakes enfold us in close embrace