My family lost its dear eldest member this week, so I will not write but instead spend time with family and loved ones in recollection and gratitude.
Here is a poem by Rilke which inexplicably already had a bookmark in it when I took it off my shelves, after my uncle died. I would like to share it with you.
I will return to writing here next week.
Sonnets XIII, Part II Sonnets to Orpheus
Rainer Maria Rilke trans. Stephen Cohn
Anticipate every farewell. You must put it behind
you as this passing winter will pass.
Yet, among the winters one winter will come so endless
that overwintering it proves that your heart can survive.
Share in her death with Eurydice. Ascend in your song
and in praise ever-ascending combine with the pure.
Be, among Shades here in the Realm of Declining,
A ringing glass until, ringing, you shatter.
Be! yet at the same time remember the code of not-being,
Endless dimension for every innermost vibration;
See you fulfill it this once and once-only-time.
To the things we make use of, to the whole shabby unspeaking
Store supplied by rich Nature, surpassing addition
Gladly account your own self and cancel the sum.