Friday Poetry: Rainer Maria Rilke

Happy Friday!

I hope everyone has some fun plans for the weekend. My husband is very excited that the Grand Prix is back on. Grand Prix always means more reading time for me.

My chosen poem this week is by the Austrian poet and novelist Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926).

Spring Has Come Back Again

Spring has come back again. The earth
is like a child who has memorised 
poems, oh, many! ... now it seems worth
the effort, for she wins the prize.

Her teacher was strict. We loved the white
hair of the old man's beard.
When we ask what the green and the blue are, right
off she knows every word. 

Lucky earth, with your holiday,
and all the children coming to play!
We try to catch you. The gayest will do it. 

Teacher trained her until she knew it,
and all that's printed in roots and long
unruly stems she sings in song. 

Rainer Maria Rilke
Translated by Jessie Lamont