In Yutacan, where Mayan mind
Once ruled a fabled land
A mighty structure stands its side
It is a temple of the wind
Tumul its name, once whispered wide
Upon this jungled horn
An ancient place, revered its past
Where paintings crown the work of sides
Where throngs of people shuffle past
The guardians used to stand
In stern Castillo, facing seas
To read the fates and seek what lasts
In thirteen, four, and nine beneath
The learned Maya homed
Within their Four their patterns bore
The lasting truth of their belief
Pale shadow now our vision sees
Of order once so fine
But stop the crowd and touch the wind
To feel the peace before decline.
©Stephen Tanham
Reblogged this on Sun in Gemini.
I never made it to Tulum, but I visited Chichen Itza in 1982, when access to the pyramid was not restricted. Climbing to the top was an awe inspiring experience.
We have that trip booked for Saturday. Minus the pyramid climb, of course. But we did get to snorkel through a cenote cave system yesterday – one of the few underground river where you can. Thanks for the comment, rirvlogr.
Thank youSue x
Lovely poem, Steve, and stunning photos. 🙂 — Suzanne
Thank you, Suzanne. I only have my iPhone with me on the holiday but it did a creditable job for this writing traveller!