Carneiro

The head of a sheep

Inside a brain split in two

Left for reason, right for art.

Outside for who? What? Where? When?

Me.

Both.

Here.

Always.

Never one but two and maybe three.

The reason of Nazca¹ and Pachamama²

The art of Marinera³ and Zampoña⁴

The reason of our Jeitinho⁵ and a Amazona⁶

The art of Carnaval⁷ and Bossa Nova⁸

Does their reason stay true for me?

Does their art apply to me?

When there is also life, liberty, property?

Because Carneiro is not one or other or all or none

Instead, it is leaving and it is joining

While 3 compete to survive.

And new kills the old

Until agreement

To create that new mix

Inside their one-of-a-kind bowl

Or do they melt everything brought

Everything, just everything on the inside of their pot?

¹ The Nazca civilization in Peru known for the Nazca lines etched to reflect astronomical and spiritual beliefs

² Incan belief of the Earth Mother goddess, Pachamama, and the celebration in her honor symbolizing nature, fertility, and balance.

³ A traditional coastal Peruvian dance representing elegance and cultural pride

⁴ A traditional Andean pan-flute instrument which is a key component to much indigenous music

⁵ A Brazilian term often used to describe the culture’s relaxed and adaptable approach to life

⁶ The Amazon region in Brazil known for its complex navigation and nature

⁷ A festive tradition in Brazil featuring music, dancing, and parades which has grown to be a defining expression of Brazilian and Latin American identity

⁸ A Brazilian music genre that blends elements of jazz and traditional samba