Wonder Ransom Note Poem: Machu Picchu

It’s difficult to read about Machu Picchu (as I did this morning for our Wonder poem selection) and not be saddened by what the Spaniards wrought when they came to South America and reshaped the world with violence, and illness, and their quest for gold. I understand I am looking at it from a modern perspective, but still …

So, this morning’s poem about the city on the mountain is in the form of a ransom note (using the cool ransomizer generator:
History held ransom

to the armies of Spanish invaders;

abandoned walls

carved in by Inca creators,

scared, and on the run

fleeing armed strangers

who traveled from the edge of the world

bringing untold dangers

of time and wind and daggers

of violence and royal decrees and wagers

that gold and conquest become the power;

yet here, now,

these ghosts are now natures painters.

🙂

Here is the poem in plain ‘ol English:

History held ransom
to the armies of Spanish invaders;
abandoned walls
carved in by Inca creators,
scared, and on the run
fleeing armed strangers
who traveled from the edge of the world
bringing untold dangers
of time and wind and daggers
of violence and royal decrees and wagers
that gold and conquest become the power;
yet here, now,
these ghosts are now nature’s painters.

Peace (in the poem),
Kevin

 

 

One Comment
  1. Love the rhythm and flow of this. I’ve heard you read enough of your poems that I can hear your voice when I read it! Your rhymes and off-rhymes are fabulous. And how brilliant to make it a ransom note!

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