Who made these paintings on the walls

Of the Deaf Man’s House? From what dark halls

Of Spanish history come these figments?

How hold the brush? How mix the pigments?

 

Take silver tarnish from the mines of Peru

Mix well with tears for a dismal hue.

A widow’s mantilla, soaked in lye

Dissolves, and giving up its dye,

Creates the color of a midnight sky.

 

From the cellar of the Citadel

Grab a heretic or infidel.

A Muslim is okay to choose

If that day they’re out of Jews.

Burn him slowly, so you don’t waste fuel

Sift the ashes. When completely cool,

Stir with a wooden spoon or twig

Into the blood of a fresh-killed pig

This part is crucial: If it fails to congeal,

You made a mistake, but it’s no big deal:

You can always requisition

Another one from the Inquisition.