Rainer Maria Rilke “Quiet friend who has come so far” (1922) II
Recitation: Walter Sittler
from the CD
"Kisses Happiness"
published by
Verlag Kreuz - Stuttgart
ISBN 401 424 182 922 7
Comparative recitation: Jürgen Hentsch
Link: • Rainer Maria Rilke „Stiller Freund der vie...
Text:
Silent friend of the many distant realms, feel
how your breath still expands the space.
In the timbers of the dark bell towers,
let yourself be rung. That which consumes you,
becomes something strong through this nourishment.
Go in and out of transformation.
What is your most painful experience?
If drinking is bitter to you, become wine.
Be this night of excess
magic power at the crossroads of your senses,
the meaning of their strange encounter.
And if the earthly realm forgets you,
say to the silent earth: I flow.
To the swift water say: I am.
Written in Muzot, February 19/23, 1922
Images: Collage