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The Visitation
The chilled cemetery air
is fragrant with mole negro,
tamales, pan de los muertos,
and burning incense. Darkness
is falling on paths aglow
with marigolds and candles.
Glasses of pulque and tequila
clink in deferent toasts.
It is 6 p.m., and the bells
begin to ring to summon
the sacred spirits. A bonfire
lifts burning cinders to the sky.
At Clemente’s grave, the cross
and kneeling countenances
of Irene and Helga cast
trembling shadows. In time,
Clemente’s spirit will join them,
so palpable it could easily
be mistaken for the wind.
Larry D. Thomas
Los Días de los Muertos
(Big Bend area, far West Texas)
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