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I Live my Life in Rings that Wax (translation of a Rilke poem)
I live my life in rings that wax
and cast themselves across the things
I might not make the final track
but I intend to give it a spin
I orbit God, that primeval form,
go round and round thousands years long
and I don’t yet know: am I a falcon, a storm
or one grand song
and cast themselves across the things
I might not make the final track
but I intend to give it a spin
I orbit God, that primeval form,
go round and round thousands years long
and I don’t yet know: am I a falcon, a storm
or one grand song
Published 13th Oct 2023
Author's Note
This is my translation of Rainer Maria Rilke's poem "Ich lebe mein Leben in wachsenden Ringen", written in 1899 during his first trip to Russia, published in 1918 in his "Book of Hours" (Stundenbuch)
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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The author encourages honest critique.
13th Oct 2023 5:50pm
I am very much looking forward to further of your translations of Rilke's poems. I agree with you that some of the already existing translations are lacking in both accuracy and inspiration. Only a well-seasoned translator married to a poet is qualified to tackle such work :) 💜
17th Oct 2023 12:22pm
29th Oct 2023 2:30am
Dear V,
I really loved the thoughtfulness in this piece. “I orbit god” fantastic! The whole idea of wondering who we are as we cycle through different parts of life is ever present for me lately and I’m thinking I’m feeling like more of a grand storm (if not a total tsunami😊)
Powerful write. I loved it. H🌷
I really loved the thoughtfulness in this piece. “I orbit god” fantastic! The whole idea of wondering who we are as we cycle through different parts of life is ever present for me lately and I’m thinking I’m feeling like more of a grand storm (if not a total tsunami😊)
Powerful write. I loved it. H🌷
2nd Nov 2023 11:43am
Thank you H!
It's such an amazing poem by Rilke. That's why I felt I needed to do my own translation!
The older English versions I found online were like:
"I circle around God...
or "I encircle God..."
and the 1st line: "I live my life in ever increasing circles..."
Such lines are just not as powerful as Rilke's write.
Not wanting to claim that I got to his level either, but I like to try. xxx
It's such an amazing poem by Rilke. That's why I felt I needed to do my own translation!
The older English versions I found online were like:
"I circle around God...
or "I encircle God..."
and the 1st line: "I live my life in ever increasing circles..."
Such lines are just not as powerful as Rilke's write.
Not wanting to claim that I got to his level either, but I like to try. xxx
