While refugees from Atilla's Huns founded Venice,
The Maya taught terra cotta and told of 
Ix Chel, goddess of the moon and menstruation.
Once she was as bright as the sun god
Who won her love as a hummingbird.
Because of her unfounded jealousy
He beat and maimed her
So that no one would want her.
The severe assault dimmed her brilliance.
Standing in defiance gave her anger of her own
And she flew off into the night.
"The sun is my husband," she would say,
And quickly disappear whenever he arrived.