The calendar under discussion here is the Mayan Long-Count.

*****

Recorded Reading (1:55): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mzlm4vsfip0hcsv9sey2v/Time-Out-of-Mind.mp3?rlkey=55kj82ecjc25ubkh52troqgtw&dl=0

*****

Time Out of Mind

In days of ancient Maya they
Measured every passing day
In a very different way
Than we moderns do today

We to but one calendar,
They to seven did refer
The meanings of time so infer,
To the cosmic flow defer

Though it seems to us bizarre
Just the simplest of those are
More complex by very far
Than that which we find popular

Days were not identical
As our own blank days befall
When we post them on the wall —
Rather, back then, each and all

Pictured were according to
What it might be best to do
If it seemed all good to you
In your own personal view

According to its pages seem
Some days good to gently dream
Compete, on others, in a team
Or possessions worn redeem

Other days described as good
For walking through ones neighborhood
Just in case somebody should
Be hoping to be understood

This for salting safe away
Provisions for a future day
And that for recreations gay
Another to travel away

It so fascinating be
Unto contemplating me
In my inner eye to see
The flow of that society

Folk living together there
Ever shiftingly aware
This day darker, that one fair
Another lounging in the lair

This one out ‘neath sun and sky
That one something new to try
Each its own sense distinguished by
Nor live them all alike, foreby!

*****

This poet presently lives at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

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