Pukllay Harmony Of Differences Poem by Terence George Craddock (Spectral Images and Images Of Light)

Pukllay battles
were not fought
in hostility

though fighting
was ritual fierce
occasionally deadly

not fueled by hostility
fueled by community required
blood atonement for harvest

at pitched battles end
men from opposing sides
might give exaggerated hugs

as do contemporary famous world
class soccer players rugby players
after hard fought test is finally done

Pukllay neighbouring combatants
at ‘Yawar Mayu' river of blood
conclusion gathered sacrificed

a sheep together settled down
to celebrate a communal feast
in good will celebrating unity

to create a sense of larger community
to reinforce distinct identity
two cultures confirm boundaries

cultures must respect boundaries
borderlines must be respected
to enable societies to live in harmony

two musical notes
must be different
to harmonize


Copyright © Terence George Craddock