Page 32 - WTP Vol. VI #4

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Sonnets to Orpheus, Part One, 21 Rainer Maria Rilke
Spring’s returned again. The earth is like a child: Forced to memorize too many verses, over
and over. Who’s painfully learned her
tedious lessons so well – she’s won the prize.
Who wouldn’t love all the white in that old man’s beard? But her teacher was so strict with her. Now
it’s green we’re curious about, and just what there
is that intrigues us with blue. She knows all the answers.
Lucky earth is on vacation, playing
with the kids. We’re chasing you, we’ll
catch you silly earth. Whoever’s happiest wins.
The exercises that unrelenting disciplinarian
imposed: The recitation of roots, patience
with the tendril’s struggle – are finally bursting into song.
aRt Beck