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Calaveritas Literarias: The Poems of Día de Muertos
Calaveritas Literarias: The Poems of Día de Muertos
These are playful, satirical poems that Mexicans write each year during Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, to humorously “tease” death and often poke fun at friends, family, or public figures. These literary works of art reflect Mexicans’ wit and unique approach to Día de Muertos. Imagine short, witty verses that picture La Muerte—Death—appearing in everyday life. In calaveritas literarias, death takes on many names and personalities, allowing it to be viewed with familiarity and humor rather than fear.
At the heart of calaveritas lies the ability to make light of death. In a culture that views death as a continuation rather than an end, these verses offer a way to cope with loss and celebrate the lives of those who have passed. Writing a calaverita means imagining a playful encounter with death, where La Flaca, La Catrina, or another personification of death visits the subject of the poem. Whether it’s a teacher, a family member, or a friend, the subject’s personality, quirks, and habits become part of a humorous story that shows how death comes for everyone, regardless of status or character.
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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – by Thomas Clemens
The Rock jumped confidently into the ring
La Muerte leaped onto him with a giant swing
The Rock beat La Muerte – a total loss
His lines rang out, “I am the Final Boss”.
Abby Lee Miller – by Helen Chen and Lydia Tressler
Abby brings her students to the stage
They don’t win so she leaves in a rage.
To McDonald’s she goes, but the wheelchair breaks down
Where La Muerte comes to take her from the town.
Abby screams, “Dance moms better have my money”
La Muerte says, “you don’t need it where you’re going, honey”.
Mr. Buck – by Anonymous
Death comes to Mr. Buck for his fate
He greets La Muerte enthusiastically, though it may be too late.
She catches him playing a terrible piano tune,
And after she says, “I’ll see you soon”.
Joe Biden – by Chris Cummings
La Muerte’s attack is dodged with the first fall.
Biden gets back up with a slight crawl.
Death goes back in for round two,
He falls yet again like nothing’s new.
La Muerte stops and watches in awe
As Joe Biden goes down on the third fall.
Mariah Carey – by Brightyn Grey
The moment that November strikes
Mariah bursts in with her pipes
Right past other important days
Leaving Dia de los Muertos in a haze.
La Muerte’s jealousy begins to grow
So to Mariah she decides to go
But the singer knows how to hit her pitch
With that high note, Death she can ditch.
Kim Jong Un – by Adelyn Holmes
Kim Jong Un so powerful and cruel
Victimizes La Muerte, but escaping, she’s no fool.
La Muerte granting Un the ultimatum death
Kim too powerful, he killed with his breath
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