An Ancient Poem from an Aztec King

Read by Shane Morris - King Hungry Coyote (Nezahualcoyotl) was an Aztec warrior king, scholar and poet who ruled the city-state of Texcoco in the 15th Century. - Full Translated Poem: All the earth is a grave and nothing escapes it, Nothing is so perfect that it does not descend to its tomb. Rivers, streams, fountains, and waters flow, but never return to their joyful beginnings; Anxiously they hasten on the vast realms of the rain god. As they widen their banks, they fashion the sad urn of their burial. Filled are the bowels of the earth with pestilential dust once flesh and bone, once animate bodies of man who sat upon thrones, presided in council, commanded armies, possessed treasures, destroyed temples, exulted in their pride, majesty, fortune, praise, and power.