God of War

Hummingbird, colibrí,

Huitzilopochtli beats

furious wings, pushing

heart to the brink to

feed on fermented sunrays

gathered in a flower’s funnel.

Diminutive powerhouse,

you protect your territory

from obscured perch in tree,

charging at trespassers

with staccato tweets and

curved, stabbing beak. Your

confidence rooted in speed,

the ability to cut through breeze.

Mouse strong,

snake quick,

eggs the size

of July acorns

or foil-wrapped

Easter candy.

When my steps

disturb you,

teotzin,

I am glad

you are so small,

but your rage

haunts my dreams.