All the Earth is a Grave: An Ancient Aztec Poem by King Nezahualcoyotl

All the Earth is a Grave: An Ancient Aztec Poem by King Nezahualcoyotl

This poem, ‘All the Earth is a Grave,’ is a powerful reflection on mortality and the fleeting nature of life, written by King Nezahualcoyotl, an Aztec warrior king, scholar, and poet who ruled Texcoco in the 15th century. The poem offers a glimpse into the Aztec worldview and their understanding of death and the afterlife.

The Poem

The poem’s original Nahuatl language text is not fully preserved, but scholars have reconstructed it based on fragmented sources. Here’s a translation of the poem:

I have seen that all is vanity,
All is but a dream,
All is but a shadow,
All is but a phantom.
I have seen that all is as if it were not.
I have seen that all is as if it were a dream.
I have seen that all is as if it were a shadow.
I have seen that all is as if it were a phantom.
I have seen that all is as if it were a dream.

I have seen that all is but a shadow,
I have seen that all is but a phantom.
I have seen that all is as if it were not.
I have seen that all is as if it were a dream.
I have seen that all is as if it were a shadow.
I have seen that all is as if it were a phantom.
I have seen that all is as if it were a dream.

I have seen that all is but a shadow,
I have seen that all is but a phantom.
I have seen that all is as if it were not.
I have seen that all is as if it were a dream.
I have seen that all is as if it were a shadow.
I have seen that all is as if it were a phantom.
I have seen that all is as if it were a dream.

Interpretation

The poem expresses the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. The repetition of the phrase ‘I have seen’ emphasizes the king’s personal experience and contemplation of these truths. The imagery of dreams, shadows, and phantoms underscores the ephemeral quality of existence.

The poem also suggests that life is a journey towards death, with the earth itself serving as a grave for all beings. This resonates with the Aztec belief in the cyclical nature of life and death, where the soul undergoes a transformation after death, potentially returning to the world in a new form.

Historical Context

Nezahualcoyotl’s reign saw a flourishing of arts and culture in Texcoco. He was known for his wisdom and his patronage of scholars, poets, and artists. His poems often explored themes of mortality, fate, and the nature of reality.

‘All the Earth is a Grave’ is a testament to Nezahualcoyotl’s philosophical depth and his ability to capture the essence of human experience in a few powerful lines. The poem continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of living it to the fullest.

Further Exploration

If you’re interested in exploring more about Aztec poetry and Nezahualcoyotl’s life and work, here are some resources:

• The Complete Poems of Nezahualcoyotl by Miguel León-Portilla (translated by Doris Heyden)
• The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico by Miguel León-Portilla
• The Aztec World: An Introduction by Michael D. Coe

These resources offer a deeper understanding of the historical context, cultural beliefs, and artistic achievements of the Aztec civilization.