
Seated authority figure with crossed arms and wearing a mask, Zapotec, Mexico, c. 600 to 900 CE, Ceramic, 10.5 cm (H) x 11.1 cm (W), The Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum, Gift of John A. Stokes, Jr., 2003.36.
Poet’s Statement
My poem is about the sculpture depicting an elder in the Ancient Americas display. The display describes the surreal style the Aztecs used in their sculptures. They exaggerated certain features of their subject based on their perception. My poem aims to recreate the exaggeration of an authority figure from the perspective of a student in trouble.
Principal
Standing there, unworthy
Before its clean cave, you’re dirty
Driving winds blow from inside
Their force make you want to hide
The cave is tall, and you are small
Inside, it is mighty; you are tiny
The time is now to visit it
The thoughts to move escape your wit
One step taken; the ground seems to crumble
Another one makes you almost tumble
You struggle to reach the mouth; things are about to go south
You broke the rule; face your consequence, even if cruel
From the cave smoke departs
Beating rapidly, your heart starts
The heat, the silence, the smell
You wish you could go back; this feels like hell
Before you its imposing figure looms; you sense your impending doom
Its menacing frown, its claws ready to turn you upside down
Alas, you accept your end in solace; your life shall perish here, in the principal’s office