As peasants armed with censors kneel
On the steps of Santo Tomás church
In Chichicastenango
Every year on All Souls’ Day
The Trinity and the ancient Mayan gods
Come together.
The incense swung at them by careworn hands
Is carried by the wind across
The cemetery wall
Where long-dead families share the food
Of those left behind.
It is a good day.
A joyous day
All Souls’ Day
The Day of the Dead
The Day of the Living.