Herbsttag

Walking and walking so much in the last few weeks brought to mind Rilke’s poem “Autumn Day”.

I feel almost lightheaded as I read his words, especially the last verse.

It describes my life during the long days and nights of winter.

This is when I miss my Husband.  He would understand my feelings.

Fluent in German he could help me with the translation.

Autumn Day*

Lord: it is time. The summer was great.
Lay your shadows onto the sundials
and let loose the winds upon the fields.

Command the last fruits to be full,
give them yet two more southern days,
urge them to perfection, and chase
the last sweetness into the heavy wine.

Who now has no house, builds no more.
Who is now alone, will long remain so,
will stay awake, read, write long letters
and will wander restlessly here and there
in the avenues, when the leaves drift.

* There are many translations but I like this one by J Mullen.