muiraquitã

poem by Ruth Salles

Moon Mirror, Jaci-uaruá,
it is the lake where the jade will surely be.
Next to Nhamundá,
next to Tapajos,
almost at its mouth.

comes the moonlight
of the full moon
illuminate
in the background the sand.
and the amazon
the water invades
and extract the green
and soft jade,
and give it shape,
pray a prayer,,,
and out of the water
he hardens!

Muiraquitã! Muiraquitã!
Strong amulet for the wedge
give as a gift to the visitor
who came to see her from afar:

– Always listen, wherever you are,
you will be well received,
if you show this and say:
“Muiraquitã catu!”

***