Snake Poems: An Aztec Invocation

by Francisco X. Alarcón

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816538433
• ISBN13: 9780816538430
• Release Date: March 2019
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Educational, provocative ...

This book is an interplay with a collection of Aztec incantations collected in the early 17th century. It includes translations, a glossary and an extensive bibliography in addition to the poetry by Alarcon. The book is primarily for lovers of poetry but is useful to anyone with an interest in MesoAmerican culture and religion.Alarcon's poetry is typical of his style - extremely spare depending heavily on its images and the connotations (as opposed to the denotations) of words. In this particular book where the number of poems in each section is determined by Aztec associations, a few of the poems are a handful of words - a snippet of a phrase. Some of these work in much the same way haiku works - but a few fail as poetry. The longer poems are consistently successful - either as new incantations or as comtemporary poetry.

Powerful. Rare. Wise. Rich in spirit.

A rare and unique book indeed! Mr. Alarcon takes us on a spiritual path to the past with poems that are vibrant, full of wisdom, and rich in the voices of ancestors.