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.