With Pluto, the Lord of Darkness, stationary right now having just turned retrograde, I hope this poem will bring light for anyone experiencing dark times right now.
Quiet friend who has come so far,
feel how your breathing makes more space around you.
Let this darkness be a bell tower
and you the bell.
As you ring, what batters you becomes your strength.
Move back and forth into the change.
What is it like, such intensity of pain?
If the drink is bitter, turn yourself to wine.
In this uncontainable night,
be the mystery at the crossroads of your senses,
the meaning discovered there.
And if the world has ceased to hear you,
say to the silent earth: I flow.
To the rushing water, speak: I am.
– Rainer Maria Rilke
–
Thank you🙏
Beautiful✨💙
Thank you, Lynn! This poem so powerful and just what I needed this morning as I’m ill, but also struggling emotionally. That eclipse and Pluto station opposed my Sun has been so intense this weekend.
i’ve always really loved Stephen Mitchell’s translation of the poem, but this translation you posted–by Joanna Macy and Anita Barrows–is starting to become my favorite. Once again I’m stunned by its power and message.
Deep appreciation for your Sunday posts–I’ve learned of so many artists’ and writers’ work through them.
Blessings, Melody
I’m so sorry to hear that Melody, this are difficult times for so many. ❤️