Contemplating Mortality

The last few days, I've been contemplating mortality, and the importance of really contemplating who or what is really important in life--how crucial it is to at least reach for happiness while we are able to enjoy it.

The following verses are from Nahuatl (Aztec) Poets from the 14th and 15th centuries. I ran across them while reading the book, 1491.

======================================

Not forever on earth; only a little while here.
Be it jade, it shatters.
Be it gold, it breaks.
Be it a quetzal feather, it tears apart.
Not forever on earth; only a little while here.

Nezahualcoyotl
(1402-72)

Like a painting, we will be erased.
Like a flower, we will dry up here on earth.
Like plumed vestments of the precious bird,
That precious bird with the agile neck,
We will come to an end.

Nezahualcoyotl
(1402-72)

Speaking of coyolli bird with its bell-like song:

He goes his way singing, offering flowers,
And his words rain down
Like jade and quetzal plumes.*
Is this what pleases the Giver of Life?
Is that the only truth on earth?

Ayocuan Cuetzpaltzin
14th century

*a synecdoche for great value like our "gold and silver."

Ayocuan Cuetzpaltzin seems to be saying that which brings beauty, like music, or art, or relationship is what is worth pursuing on earth.

Comments?