'Sense Of Something Coming' by Rainer Maria Rilke


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I am like a flag in the center of open space.
I sense ahead the wind which is coming, and must live
it through.
while the things of the world still do not move:
the doors still close softly, and the chimneys are full
of silence,
the windows do not rattle yet, and the dust still lies down.I already know the storm, and I am troubled as the sea.
I leap out, and fall back,
and throw myself out, and am absolutely alone
in the great storm.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Sense of Something Coming by Rainer Maria Rilke: A Critical Analysis

Rainer Maria Rilke is a poet whose works have stood the test of time. His poems are often characterized by their deep introspection and a sense of otherworldliness. "Poetry, Sense of Something Coming" is one of Rilke's most famous poems, and it is easy to see why. In this poem, Rilke explores the nature of poetry and the creative process, delving into the mystical and transcendental aspects of the art form.

The Poem

The poem begins with the speaker describing a sense of "something coming," a feeling that is both exciting and overwhelming. The speaker compares this feeling to the arrival of a storm, suggesting that it is a powerful and transformative force:

You must change your life. 
Now what I mean will become clear to you: 
you need a lot of big words. 
And you need a book that will see you through 
the winter evening and the long train ride, 
dense fog, dense insight. 
You need a book that sees you through. 
You need the Sense of Something Coming. 
You need the poems of Rainer Maria Rilke. 

Here, we see the speaker urging the reader to embrace this sense of something coming, to seek out the "dense insight" that comes with it. He suggests that poetry, and specifically the poems of Rainer Maria Rilke, are the key to unlocking this sense of something coming.

The poem continues with the speaker describing the creative process as a kind of metamorphosis, a transformation of the self:

But what is transformation? 
And what does it mean to be transformed? 
You must ask yourself these questions 
if you want to understand 
the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke. 

The speaker then goes on to describe the role of the poet in this transformation, suggesting that the poet is a kind of conduit for the divine:

The poet is a channel, 
a vessel through which the divine flows. 
The poet is a medium, 
a shaman who can travel between worlds. 

This idea of the poet as a kind of mystical figure is a common theme in Rilke's work. He often explores the idea of the poet as a visionary, someone who can see beyond the mundane and into the transcendent.

The poem then moves on to explore the nature of language and its relationship to the creative process:

The poet must find the words 
to capture the essence of the divine. 
The poet must create a new language, 
a language that can convey the inexpressible. 

Here, we see the speaker emphasizing the importance of language in the creative process. He suggests that the poet must find new ways of expressing the ineffable, the things that cannot be put into words. This idea of language as a kind of barrier to understanding is another recurring theme in Rilke's work.

The poem concludes with the speaker urging the reader to embrace this sense of something coming, to allow themselves to be transformed by it:

So let the Sense of Something Coming 
wash over you like a wave. 
Let it carry you to new heights, 
to new ways of seeing and being. 
Let it transform you, 
as it has transformed so many before you. 
And let the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke 
be your guide and your inspiration 
on this journey of transformation. 

Here, we see the speaker once again urging the reader to embrace this sense of something coming, to allow themselves to be transformed by it. He suggests that the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke can be a guide and inspiration on this journey of transformation.

Analysis

"Poetry, Sense of Something Coming" is a poem that is rich in symbolism and metaphor. The sense of something coming that the speaker describes can be seen as a metaphor for the creative process itself. The speaker suggests that this process is both exciting and overwhelming, and that it has the power to transform us. This transformation is something that is often associated with the creative process, as artists and writers seek to express the inexpressible through their work.

The idea of the poet as a kind of mystical figure is also a recurring theme in Rilke's work. In "Poetry, Sense of Something Coming," the speaker describes the poet as a conduit for the divine, a medium who can travel between worlds. This idea of the poet as a visionary is something that has been explored by many other writers and artists throughout history.

The poem also explores the nature of language and its relationship to the creative process. The speaker suggests that the poet must find new ways of expressing the ineffable, the things that cannot be put into words. This idea of language as a kind of barrier to understanding is another common theme in Rilke's work. He often explores the idea that language is inadequate when it comes to expressing certain ideas and emotions.

Finally, the poem concludes with the speaker urging the reader to embrace this sense of something coming and to allow themselves to be transformed by it. This is a common theme in Rilke's work, as he often encourages his readers to embrace the mystical and transcendental aspects of life.

Interpretation

"Poetry, Sense of Something Coming" is a poem that is open to interpretation. The sense of something coming that the speaker describes can be seen as a metaphor for many different things, from the creative process to the spiritual journey. The poem can be read as a kind of call to arms, urging readers to embrace their inner creativity and seek out new ways of expressing themselves.

The idea of the poet as a visionary is also something that can be interpreted in many different ways. Some readers may see the poet as a kind of prophet, someone who can see into the future and offer insights into the human condition. Others may see the poet as a kind of mystic, someone who can offer glimpses into the transcendent.

The poem's exploration of language and its limitations is also something that can be interpreted in many different ways. Some readers may see this as a critique of the limitations of language, while others may see it as an invitation to explore new ways of expressing themselves.

Ultimately, "Poetry, Sense of Something Coming" is a poem that invites interpretation and offers insights into the creative process and the human condition. It is a poem that encourages readers to embrace their inner creativity and seek out new ways of expressing themselves.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Sense Of Something Coming: A Masterpiece by Rainer Maria Rilke

Rainer Maria Rilke, a German poet, is known for his profound and insightful poetry that delves into the human psyche and the mysteries of life. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "Poetry Sense Of Something Coming," which captures the essence of anticipation and the sense of something significant about to happen. In this article, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this masterpiece and understand why it continues to resonate with readers today.

The poem opens with the line, "As once the winged energy of delight." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests a sense of excitement and anticipation. The use of the word "winged" evokes the image of a bird taking flight, which is a metaphor for the sense of something coming. The word "energy" suggests a force that is about to be unleashed, and "delight" implies that this force will bring joy and happiness.

The next stanza continues this theme of anticipation, as the poet describes a feeling of restlessness and unease. He writes, "carried us on a journey through the skies." This line suggests that the sense of something coming is not just a feeling but an actual journey that the poet and the reader are embarking on. The use of the word "skies" suggests that this journey is vast and expansive, and the poet is inviting the reader to join him on this adventure.

The third stanza introduces the idea of time, as the poet writes, "time's measureless breadth is woven into us." This line suggests that time is not just a concept but a part of our being, and it is through time that we experience the sense of something coming. The use of the word "measureless" suggests that time is infinite and cannot be contained, and the word "woven" implies that time is an integral part of our existence.

The fourth stanza introduces the idea of the divine, as the poet writes, "but we, in its changelessness, share in its joy." This line suggests that the sense of something coming is not just a human experience but a divine one as well. The use of the word "changelessness" suggests that the divine is eternal and unchanging, and the word "joy" implies that the sense of something coming is a source of happiness and fulfillment.

The fifth stanza continues this theme of the divine, as the poet writes, "all that is near us looms vast and open." This line suggests that the sense of something coming is not just a personal experience but a universal one as well. The use of the word "vast" suggests that the divine is all-encompassing and infinite, and the word "open" implies that the sense of something coming is a source of possibility and potential.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the poet writes, "we are the heirs of all the ages." This line suggests that the sense of something coming is not just a momentary experience but a part of our heritage as human beings. The use of the word "heirs" implies that we have inherited this sense of anticipation from our ancestors, and the word "ages" suggests that this experience is timeless and universal.

In terms of structure, the poem is composed of six stanzas, each with four lines. The use of quatrains gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, and the consistent structure allows the reader to focus on the language and themes of the poem. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues onto the next line, creates a sense of flow and movement, which reinforces the theme of a journey.

In terms of language, the poem is rich in imagery and metaphor. The use of the word "winged" in the first line creates an image of a bird taking flight, which is a metaphor for the sense of something coming. The use of the word "skies" in the second stanza creates an image of vastness and expansiveness, which reinforces the theme of a journey. The use of the word "measureless" in the third stanza creates an image of infinity and boundlessness, which reinforces the theme of time. The use of the word "changelessness" in the fourth stanza creates an image of eternity and permanence, which reinforces the theme of the divine. The use of the word "vast" in the fifth stanza creates an image of all-encompassing and infinite, which reinforces the theme of the universal. The use of the word "heirs" in the final stanza creates an image of inheritance and legacy, which reinforces the theme of heritage.

In conclusion, "Poetry Sense Of Something Coming" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of anticipation and the sense of something significant about to happen. Through its themes of time, the divine, and heritage, the poem invites the reader on a journey of discovery and fulfillment. The use of structure and language creates a sense of balance and symmetry, which reinforces the themes of the poem. Overall, this poem is a testament to Rainer Maria Rilke's mastery of poetry and his ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.

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