Meditation &Poetry Entropy | 27 Sep 2008
The Sonnets To Orpheus
Breathing: you invisible poem! Complete
interchange of our own
essence with world-space. You counterweight
in which I rhythmically happen.
Single wave-motion whose
gradual sea I am:
you, most inclusive of all our possible seas-
space has grown warm.
How many regions in space have already been
inside me. There are winds that seem like
my wandering son.
Do you recognize me, air, full of places I once absorbed?
You who were the smooth bark,
roundness, and leaf of my words.
By Rainer Maria Rilke
Translated by Stephen Mitchell
on 27 Sep 2008 at 8:40 pm 1.Nimesh Dadia said …
Its a beautiful poem. RIlke encompasses the elements of earth so beautifully in these few lines.
Especially the last paragraph.
on 27 Sep 2008 at 9:52 pm 2.Sonya Rose Atkinson said …
Very deep and thought provoking. We are so complex in nature and always learning. Thanks for sharing this bright and sunny morning. I truly enjoyed reading something so soulful.
on 28 Sep 2008 at 4:16 am 3.Sandy said …
Dear friend Ajay–I love this poem! I had not seen this translation before. I am always fascinated by how many new poems are created through the eyes and spirit of each translator.
I have the Stephen Mitchell version, the Robert Bly version and the CE MacIntyre version of the Sonnet that begins, “A god can do it…” Subtle and wondrous differences in each poem. Lately, I’ve appreciated Joanna Macy and Anita Barrow’s translations of Rilke. As always, the richness of your sharing never ceases to amaze me and I am ever grateful to have you as a cyber-friend!
Warm blessings,
Sandy