Canto XII from The Hights of Macchu Picchu - Pablo Neruda 1966

Neruda portrays himself as a martyr of the Inca people, particularly the working class, in this poem. He takes all of the struggles that the people have gone through and places it on his own shoulders. His aim is to draw attention to the people's incredible dedication to the land and to show the trials they have overcome. But he also makes it known that he does not know all about it and that he is ready to learn. He realizes that appreciation is needed, and he takes personal responsibility for it being neglected.