Where the indigo and burgundy mosaic

And the blue sky

Interleave to become azure, 

And space begins to blend 

In deep indigo,

Above this mountain range in Peru

Glowing this early evening 

In hazy blue hues.

The datura flowers bow 

Blowing their trumpets—

Echo through these mountains,

Awaiting the priest,

Who stands gazing

Into the dark cloud forests,

With blooming orchids and bromeliads, 

And responds with a wail of his conch.

Interleaving with the crisp breeze 

Aiding the condor’s final glide of dusk. 

In this communion with the mountains

Of Apurimac,

I had found another Tabuleiro—

Where my mind slows, 

Melts into the mountain range haze

That surrounds the high grounds 

Of the citadel of Choquequirao.