And Moctezuma said

—

Thick as raven scales

were the hairs on his face.

—

Grey and still like a lake

was his armor.

—

Pale was his flesh

kissed by suns otherworldly.

—

Red his hands with his blood

and that of many others.

—

Mud man with a muddy mouth

into which lived a golden spider.

—

Treacherous void that weaved

between my legs

with spit

and faith

and gunpowder.