The original poem was written in Latin by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is in the public domain. The free translations are mine.

I have always been fascinated by Latin poetry. By accident, I came across this favorite on Flickr. You can find it by typing in the poem in Latin. The photography is stunning.

The poem is one of my all time favorites. The woman on Flick used it as her theme.

It was written by Hadrian Adriano. He died in AD128. He was only 62. I can identify with the poem. Here it is. I love Latin poetry because it is so concise.

Animula, vagula, blandula

Hospes conesque corporis

Quae nunca abilis in loca

Pallidula, rigida, nudula

Nec ut soles dabis iocos?

Alma, vagabundo, jugueton

Huesped en este cuerpo cansado

Nada mas de juegos locos?

Aqui estoy, palido, rigido, desnudo

Nunca mas jugaras conmigo?

Errant, inconstant soul

Guest in this decaying body

No more crazy games?

Here I am: Pallid, rigid, naked

Will you play with me no more?

Growing older is the pits.

Learn more about this author, Lj Jaime Cordle.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Poetry: Aging?
We want to hear your view. Write now!