Too Alone
by Ranier Maria Rilke
From Rilke’s Book Of Hours
translated by Anita Barrows & Joanna Macy
I’m too alone in the world, yet not alone enough
to make each hour holy
I’m too small in the world, yet not small enough
to be simply in your presence, like a thing—
just as it is.
I want to know my own will
and to move with it.
And I want, in the hushed moments
when the nameless draws near,
to be among the wise ones—
or alone.
I want to unfold.
Let no place in me hold itself closed,
for where I am closed, I am false.
I want to stay clear in your sight.
I would describe myself like a landscape I’ve studied
at length, in detail;
like a word I’m coming to understand;
like a pitcher I pour from at mealtimes;
like my mother’s face;
like a ship that carried me
when the waters raged.
The poem is wonderful but the pictures of the landscape mosaic is
really wonderful. Does it tell who created the landscape?
Thanks, Kristy! Sadly, I did an extensive search using my favorite (and most reliable) image search engine (TinEye – highly recommended!!)
While it has been copied all over, I never could find a credit for who did it, or even where it is.. I would LOVE it if someone out there happens to know!
It’s called the “Dreaming Girl’s Head”. It’s located in the Lost Gardens of Heligan in UK and was created by Sue and Peter Hill (siblings).
btw, love your blog!
Thank you so much, GSAS! I very much appreciate that info (and love your “handle!”).. Will update the info!