Wakus Wakusauf

Wakus Wakusauf
Originally uploaded by Daniel Kerkhoff

Pulling out the chair
Beneath your mind
And watching you fall upon God-
There is nothing else for Hafiz to do
That is any fun in this world!

--Shams-ud-din Mohammed Hafiz,
Muslim mystic (1320-89)

#29 Die Sonette an Orpheus: Zweiter Teil by Rainer Maria Rilke

29

Stiller Freund der vielen Fernen, fuehle,
vie dein Atem noch den Raum vermerht.
Im Gebaelk der finstern Glockenstuehle
lass dich laeuten. Das, Was an dir zehrt,

wird ein Starkes ueber dieser Nahrung.
Geh in der Verwandlung aus und ein.
Was ist deine leidendste Erfahrung?
Ist dir Trinken bitter, werde Wein.

Sei in dieser Nacht aus Uebermass
Zauberkraft am Kreuzweg deiner Sinne,
ihrer seltsamen Begegnung Sinn.

Und wenn dich das Irdische vergass,
zu der stillen Erde sag: Ich rinne.
Zu dem rashen Wasser sprich: Ich bin.


29
The Sonnets to Orpheus: Second Series
by Rainer Maria Rilke

Silent friend of many distances,
feel how your breath is still expanding space.
Let yourself peal among the beams
of dark belfries. Whatever preys

on you will grow strong from this nourishment.
Know transformation through and through.
What experience has been most painful to you?
If the drinking's bitter, turn to wine.

In this vast night, be the magic power
at your senses' intersection,
the meaning of their strange encounter.

And if the earthly has forgotten
you, say to the still earth: I flow.
To the rushing water speak: I am.

--Translated by A. Poulin, Jr.