I am MayanI’m from the hot jungles of South America

The corn that grows in rows that are never straightSunshine all the time and heat that is almost unbearable

From running through the trees hunting my preyTelling time by watching the stars

Creating a calendar to make it easier to know what day it isI’m from common people like me never learning how to write

But a written language we did createCarved in stone to last through time

Or painted down to dazzle us allFrom feared gods that watched over us

Who brought us rain for our foodTemples were built in their honor

Higher and still higher to get closer to their greatnessOur history lasted through these stone structures

Hidden away from all that could seeWars were fought against a terrible new enemy

But they never affected me until my father was called to fightBrave those men stood to keep our landUnfortunately our nation was weakening

I’m from a time when my people were disappearingOur religion and culture vanishing into the jungle

From becoming a slave to our foesWho forced us to learn their ways

From watching in silence as an old era died out and a new beganSeeing the jungles overtake ancient dwellings

The arts of my people lost foreverI’m from a time long past

A time of greatness and struggleI’m from the Mayans