Exploring the tumultuous history of Western expansion, the poem delves into the relentless ambition of one civilization to dominate and exploit others. This expansive theme enables the poet to grapple with a profound personal decision: shifting his cultural allegiance from Europe to the emerging landscape of the New World. The intricate argument and analysis unfold with a focus on the modern-day corruptions in Mexico. Here, a voice emerges, lamenting the decline of a once-magnificent civilization. The remarkable achievements of the Mayas and Aztecs were overshadowed by the ensuing degradation brought forth by Spanish conquerors, highlighting the destructive legacy of colonial ambitions.

Before physically setting foot in Mexico, Olson had already begun to weave a vivid tapestry of the country's rich history, particularly drawn to the Aztec temple sites through his extensive readings. His imagination painted a picture of a land deeply scarred by Spanish colonialism, an idea that would later be enriched by his personal experiences. Following the creation of his poem, Olson embarked on an enlightening journey to the Yucatán Peninsula, immersing himself for six months in the heart of Mexico. This period of exploration opened a treasure trove of insights which he shared in passionate letters home. These correspondences, compiled by Robert Creeley and released in 1953 as Mayan Letters, capture Olson's evolving understanding of the region.

Olson's poetic and historical inquiries bore the mark of his fascination with the Mayan civilization. Yet, in “The Kingfishers,” his focus is sharpened on the enduring impact of the Spanish conquest on modern Mexico. He viewed the nation not merely through the lens of its ancient grandeur but as a contemporary society grappling with the shadows of colonial past. This perspective is central to Olson's reflections, positioning modern Mexico as a canvas where the vibrant colors of indigenous culture meet the indelible brushstrokes of colonial influence, creating a complex interplay of history and identity.

The singular focus on an emblematic victim of empire gradually unfolds into a broader contemplation of the inherent frailties shared by all human civilizations. These societies remain perpetually vulnerable, whether to the relentless passage of time or to the innate human propensity for violence that threatens to extinguish them. In this context, the enigmatic letter 'E' engraved on stone serves as the final, cryptic testament to a bygone civilization. It marks a temporal boundary, a starting point in the endless cycle of growth and decay that characterizes the Western tradition.

In stark juxtaposition to the tragic narrative of human history stands the kingfisher. This bird, with its vibrant plumage, flies into the sun, seeking the western light to bask in its warmth. It symbolizes a resilient vitality, a timeless endurance that contrasts sharply with the ephemeral nature of human constructs. The kingfisher's journey is an allegory of enduring life, an existence that transcends the rise and fall of empires. Thus, it serves as a poignant reminder of nature's constancy amidst the transient stages of human civilization.

By the conclusion of part 1, Olson gleans a profound insight from his reflections on history: time is not a matter of mere accumulation, but rather, it signifies change. Human nature leaves behind little more than a few ruins, while the vast expanses of nature serve as the grand stage upon which humanity enacts its tragic narratives. The imagery of the Mongolian louse inheriting the scant possessions from Aztec burial mounds metaphorically captures the transitory nature of human achievements. Olson criticizes the Western mindset that has historically been willing to dismantle civilizations that were harmoniously aligned with nature. This critique extends to his own era, where he perceives a decline in...