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Rainey Knudson's avatar

O my friends, all of you, I renounce

none of you; not even that transient

who, from the inconceivable life, was

no more than a soft glance, open and hesitant.

How often, with an eye or gesture,

someone, despite himself, stops

the imperceptible flight of another

by paying attention to him a moment.

Strangers. They play large parts

in our fate that every day completes.

O discreet stranger, take good aim,

as you lift your gaze toward my distracted heart.

- Rainer Maria Rilke, trans. A. Poulin

Chris Becker's avatar

What an amazing poem. Thank you, Rainey.

Rainey Knudson's avatar

(on the struggle bus trying to format the line breaks in each stanza...)

Chris Becker's avatar

You done good!

Rainey Knudson's avatar

Thanks, I tried. It's supposed to be three grouped stanzas, but shift-return wouldn't work. Here's the poem as formatted:

https://amanoutoftime.livejournal.com/134061.html

Chris Becker's avatar

"O discreet stranger, take good aim,

as you lift your gaze toward my distracted heart."

Rainey Knudson's avatar

We are all in this together.

Rainey Knudson's avatar

I have loved this poem ever since I first encountered it in one of those Everyman’s pocket poetry books – this one titled Poems of Gratitude. The whole series is really well done.

Enrico's avatar

Beautiful!!!

Chris Becker's avatar

I thought you would appreciate this one.

Carolyn Zeytoonian's avatar

Love those movies and your story! So grateful that I can respond “yes” to your questions!

Chris Becker's avatar

I'm very glad to hear that.

David McGee's avatar

❤️❤️

Chris Becker's avatar

I KNOW you know what I'm talking about!