Sweet incense rises, candles glow,

For those whose paths we long to know.

With pan de muerto, lovingly baked,

We welcome souls to join our wake.

 

In marigold’s vibrant, golden hue,

Petals line paths with grace anew,

To lead our kin from distant years,

Back to our hearts, through joy and tears.

 

An altar stands in homage bold,

Each gift and photo, stories told.

The foods they cherished, lovingly laid,

Await their souls, who will not fade.

 

Through calaveras, faces aglow,

We laugh and jest with death in tow;

In grinning skulls, we all are one,

Our final rest beneath the sun.

 

A figure proud, in gown and hat—

The Catrina strides, both chic and fat,

With silent grace and knowing gaze,

A vision from both present days.

 

On Pátzcuaro, by lake’s calm shore,

They gather here to honor lore.

In glowing boats, on tranquil streams,

They row beneath the starlit beams.

 

Through Día de Muertos, we draw near,

As memories bloom and hearts are clear.

In laughter, love, and shared delight,

Our cherished souls remain in sight.

 

Annotations:

ofrenda = altar, offering

pan de muerto = bread of the dead

calaveras = skulls

catrina = elegant skull

Día de Muertos = Day of the Death