Snake Poems: An Aztec Invocation

For beloved writer and mentor Francisco X. Alarc n, the collection Snake Poems: An Aztec Invocation was a poetic quest to reclaim a birthright. Originally published in 1992, the book propelled Alarc n to the forefront of contemporary Chicano letters. Alarc n was a stalwart student, researcher, and specialist on the lost teachings of his Indigenous ancestors. He first found their wisdom in the words of his Mexica (Aztec) grandmother and then by culling through historical texts. During a Fulbright fellowship to Mexico, Alarc n uncovered the writings of zealously religious Mexican priest Hernando Ruiz de Alarc n (1587-1646), who collected (often using extreme measures), translated, and interpreted Nahuatl spells and invocations. In Snake Poems Francisco Alarc n offered his own poetic responses, reclaiming the colonial manuscript and making it new. This special edition is a tender tribute to Alarc n, who passed away in 2016, and includes Nahuatl, Spanish, and English renditions of the 10