from The Book of Hours: I.14

from The Book of Hours

by Rainer Maria Rilke

I.14

You see, I want a lot.

Perhaps I want everything:

the darkness of each infinite descent

and the play of quivering light with every climb.

So many live and seek nothing,

attending flat affect with princely exaltation

through your gentle court.

But you rejoice in every face

that serves and thirsts.

You rejoice in all who yearn for you,

like a stainless instrument.

Yet you are not sterile, and it is not too late

to dive into your expectant depths,

where the peace of existence is revealed.

[trans A. Badagnani]

copyright © 2017 Adria Badagnani