Saci-Pererê

poem by Ruth Salles

Drawing by Verônica Calandra Martins.

Saci-pererê

Saci-pererê,
enchanted elf,
pierced little hand,
red cap.

in the whirlpool,
from the dust,
the black man appeared
one-legged.

mouth in mouth,
looking swamp,
plotted mischief,
entered the land.

put out my fire,
soured the beans,
braided her tail
of my sorrel.

Pulled the tails well
of all oxen,
joined in one knot...
and then ran away.

Saci-pererê
it just messes up.
took off the stool,
and I sat on the floor.

***