A Poem For A Monday

Major thanks to MJ, who brought my attention to a writer who I somehow neglected for years. Rainer Maria Rilke was a German poet at the turn of the 20th century who like Merwin, seemed to utilize imagery, objects and careful diction to express his ideas through the description of moments, a feat I've always admired and tried to replicate in my own attempts. Writer Stuart Holroyd once commented that the "poetry which Rilke wrote to express and extend his experience...is one of the most successful attempts a modern man has made to orientate himself within his chaotic world." Who's chaotic life doesn't need some orientation?!

Day in Autumn
by Rainer Maria Rilke
translated by Mary Kinzie

After the summer's yield, Lord, it is time

to let your shadow lengthen on the sundials

and in the pastures let the rough winds fly.

As for the final fruits, coax them to roundness.

Direct on them two days of warmer light

to hale them golden toward their term, and harry

the last few drops of sweetness through the wine.

Whoever's homeless now, will build no shelter;

who lives alone will live indefinitely so,

waking up to read a little, draft long letters,   

and, along the city's avenues,

fitfully wander, when the wild leaves loosen.  

Biographical information and poem from www.poetryfoundation.org.