Pukllay Meaning Of ‘yawar Mayu' Battles Poem by Terence George Craddock (Spectral Images and Images Of Light)

what meaning function did
‘Yawar Mayu' blood battles fulfill
fights embodied an appreciation

of complementarity of opposites
fundamental principle in quantum mechanics
results inherently dependent upon devices

employed in each measurement
various agreed upon social bases
in each complementary measurement

men engaged in ceremonial conflicts
bravely facing injury possibility
bravely facing death possibility

being cheered on by their women
fights held for social betterment
of the larger Andean community

purpose balance restoration
encompassed both sides of ritual fight
regeneration blood must be spilt

blood spilt
as an offering
to Pachamama

for the fertility of the fields
in both neighbouring communities
purpose is a communal effort

a conflict to benefit both sides
blood offerings flow to Pachamama
blood had to flow as Pachamama

needs a few drops of devotee blood
communities come together to provide
this offering opponents end in solidarity