The Curandera

Long before science emerged

and medicine became a discipline of its own 
immigrants, indigenous tribes and slaves
practiced similar beliefs 

healing with herbs having a deep understanding
of good and evil, learning to break spells and curses
with mixtures of natural ingredients and rituals,
calling on the Holy Spirit to cure body, mind, and soul. 

Satan,
like in the garden of Eden,
continues to tempt the innocent
offering a plethora of choices
with a buffet of vices

capable of infecting
a whole community 
who allow themselves
to transgress

encouraging each other
to wallow in sin, disrespecting 
their bodies and the land, 

seeking immortality 
tearing down the very fabric
of their spiritual being.

The Curandera, on the other hand,
used the bounty of the earth
to heal bodies and bring forth
goodness from the people

cutting off the head of the snake

and restoring love for God

demanding others follow her path

in humble obedience for all time.