I live my life in growing orbits
which move out over the things of the world.
Perhaps I can never achieve the last,
but that will be my attempt.
I am circling around God, around the ancient town,
and I have been circling for a thousand years,
and I still don’t know if I am a falcon, or a storm,
or a great song.
translated by Robert Bly
love the depth of this poem
Yes. that’s Rilke, though.
I have always loved this poem.
It is quite beautiful. Glad you love it, too.
I knew it only in German so far but even in English it’s beautiful
I’m glad you feel it holds up in English. Bly is an excellent translator.
Sweet verse!
Yes, I agree.