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Neither castle, nor Aztec,
not even Sinaguan.
I don’t crumble
beneath what you think of me,
nor what you’ve labeled me
with your tiny tongue.
Called something
I never was—
I outlast your angry names.
I survive by the hands
that built me, and survivors know
the power in their own true names.
You call me
ruined.
Yet, I remain.
© 2025 Jennifer Wagner
Montezuma Castle is a misnomer. It was neither a castle nor built by nor for the Aztec emperor Montezuma. Those who did build it are referred to as “Sinagua” people, meaning “without water” in Spanish. Despite being called “Sinagua” they actually had plenty of water. Montezuma means “lord frowns in anger.”
To all my other survivors out there.
Also, after posting poems for years without process notes, I seem to be on a kick of doing it these days.
This poem has such strength, Jennifer! Reminds me of the old saying, "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me." We don't have to accept other people's labels!!
ReplyDeletePow! Spare and truthful, with lovely little put downs: "with your tiny tongue." Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you describe standing up to words that never truly describe us. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWell penned! May we shine on in our misnamed states and survive in the face of adversity, bullying and cultural appropriation!
ReplyDelete"You call me / ruined. / Yet, I remain." This is what I call power.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with everyone.....such strength and endurance in these lines.
ReplyDeleteLike Elton John, still standing!
ReplyDeleteI love the resilience so clearly expressed - Jae
ReplyDeletePowerful poem, Jennifer.
ReplyDelete