In the world's young days,
Farmer met Quetzalcoatl in a field
by one rustling plant.
Like the wind,
he whispered in Farmer's ear,
This is my gift to you. 
Its leaves are more precious 
than green plumes,
its heart richer than jade.
Farmer asked, "What is its name?"
And the Serpent whispered,
Maize.

Tony Johnston