There is much depth in these few words, this notion of unfolding from the false self to that which is clear or pure in a universal or metaphysical sense. I must also say that I can never read anything about closing and unfolding without remembering those words from an e.e. cummings poem that has long been imprinted upon my memory:
"your slightest look easily will unclose me though I have closed myself as fingers, you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens (touching skillfully, mysteriously) her first rose
or if your wish be to close me, I and my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly, as when the heart of this flower imagines the snow carefully everywhere descending."
There is much depth in these few words, this notion of unfolding from the false self to that which is clear or pure in a universal or metaphysical sense. I must also say that I can never read anything about closing and unfolding without remembering those words from an e.e. cummings poem that has long been imprinted upon my memory:
ReplyDelete"your slightest look easily will unclose me
though I have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skillfully, mysteriously) her first rose
or if your wish be to close me, I and
my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending."
Wonderful addition, George. I find so much to like in cummings's work. This is a great example of how Rilke's words can be reimagined.
ReplyDeletei want to stay clear in your sight
ReplyDeleteand
i want you to stay clear in mine.
for me the second is more important, i think.
xo
erin