FLOWER SONG
(Ancient Mexican Indian)
1. In the place of tears, I, the singer, watch my flowers; they are in my hand; they intoxicate my soul and my song, as I walk alone with them, with my sad soul among them.
2. In this spot, where the herbage is like sweet ointment and green as the turquoise and emerald, I think upon my song, holding the beauteous flowers in my hand, as I walk alone with them, with my sad soul among them.
3. In this spot of turquoise and emerald, I think upon beauteous songs, beauteous flowers; let us rejoice now, dear friends and children, for life is not long upon earth.
4. I shall hasten forth, I shall go to the sweet songs, the sweet flowers, dear friends and children.
5. O he! I cried aloud; O he! I rained down flowers as I left.
6. Let us go forth anywhere; I, the singer, shall find and bring forth the flowers; let us be glad while we live; listen to my song.
7. I, the poet, cry out a song for a place of joy, a glorious song which descends to Mictlan, and there turns about and comes forth again.
8. I seek neither vestment nor riches, O children, but a song for a place of joy.