from the greek Ινδικον (indikon)

meaning; indic (from india)

a froth of iridescent blue covers the dye bath.

as fermented leaves surround the cloth

shades of green emerge underwater, a hidden bond.

out of the water and into the sun

the fabric takes a deep breath, turning blue

earth’s true color, as river, sky and rain

indigo was key for ancient mayans

a blue to call the rain god chac mool -

copal resin adhering indigo to clay

caesar’s warriors wore indigo on their skin

a war paint turning their bodies a deep blue

scaring their enemies and healing their wounds

blue-collar,  bleu de travail, an indigo cloth

was crafted in (de) nîmes; denim -

the workers clothes of france

italian fisherman mend their nets

with indigo string

a fine line of paint

woven through time.