Flowers and Songs of Sorrow

from the Cantares Mexicanos, by an Anonymous Aztec Poet

Nothing but flowers and songs of sorrow,
are left in Mexico and Tlatelolco,
where once we saw warriors and wise men.

We know it is true
that we must perish,
for we are mortal men,
You, Life-Giver, have ordained it.

We wander here and there,
In our desolate poverty,
We are mortal men,
We have seen bloodshed and pain
where once we saw beauty and valor.

We are crushed to the ground,
we lie in ruins
There is nothing but grief and suffering
in Mexico and Tlatelolco,
where once we saw beauty and valor.

Have you grown weary of your servants?
Are you angry with your servants?
O Giver of Life?