Epiphany Eve, Puerto Rico

These winter surfs
crush with the stars
that Herod searched
and feared. Here is a water

fragrant with justice.
Here is an unction so terrible
that los tres reyes
will gallop and kneel

richly with it. Here their horses’
hooves under their burden
will trample other stars
on sodden banners.

Here will Isabella be dark
and cold with the weight
of a sun in water.
Now will the magi find

the mother bright
with their pondering East.
Now will they humbly find
beyond Juana Diaz.

Now to give to the infant
who can speak the sea
for a promised land.
Now to the Taino baby.