Upon Reading Rilke at 3:37AM
Smell the funk: neglected, unwashed body
See the lank long lusterless hair hanging
over face, head bowed down
on yesterday’s knees
world come undone—
could be you, could be me
daughter, son, dear dear one
be aware:
this being may be with you
in your last moment
those features the last you perceive
reaching out to hold your hand
with support
with comfort
with compassion
sharing with heart of empathy
your dying breath
2 thoughts on "Upon Reading Rilke at 3:37AM"
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Well done! and Rilke is an excellent choice at any time of day, but especially in the middle of the night when sleep evades. 😉 (Much as I love Rilke, Neruda is my go to. LoL)
those features the last you perceive
wonderful word order!
this being may be with you
in your last moment
I’d call this a “universal truth.” Thank you so much for sharing this poem.
Thank you for the kind and perceptive comments. High praise from a poet whose impeccable craft always shines.
I will keep Neruda handy, if needed tonight.
It has been a pleasure to read and learn from your admirable writing this month. So, in turn, I am grateful to you for sharing your poetry.