'Childhood' by Rainer Maria Rilke
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It would be good to give much thought, before
you try to find words for something so lost,
for those long childhood afternoons you knew
that vanished so completely --and why?We're still reminded--: sometimes by a rain,
but we can no longer say what it means;
life was never again so filled with meeting,
with reunion and with passing onas back then, when nothing happened to us
except what happens to things and creatures:
we lived their world as something human,
and became filled to the brim with figures.And became as lonely as a sheperd
and as overburdened by vast distances,
and summoned and stirred as from far away,
and slowly, like a long new thread,
introduced into that picture-sequence
where now having to go on bewilders us.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into Rainer Maria Rilke's "Poetry, Childhood"
Have you ever read a poem that captures the essence of childhood so perfectly that it transports you back to your own? Rainer Maria Rilke's "Poetry, Childhood" does just that.
In this 52-line poem, Rilke explores the idea that poetry is like a child, both in its innocence and its ability to see the world in a fresh and unspoiled way. Let's take a closer look at this poem and see what it has to say about childhood, poetry, and the intersection of the two.
The Innocence of Childhood
Rilke begins the poem by describing poetry as "a child, / wanting to tell you something." This personification of poetry as a child sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Rilke draws parallels between the two throughout.
One of the key themes of the poem is the innocence of childhood, which is reflected in the simplicity of the language Rilke uses. He writes in short, staccato sentences that mimic a child's way of speaking:
Poetry, childhood,
both are born awake with wide-open eyes,
both have that simple knowledge
of being alive.
These lines convey a sense of wonder and awe at the world, which is a hallmark of childhood. Children are often fascinated by the simplest things, and Rilke captures that sense of wonder in his description of poetry.
The Freshness of Perception
Another theme that Rilke explores in this poem is the idea that both poetry and childhood have a unique way of seeing the world. He writes:
Poetry and childhood
see everything,
look through it,
understand it,
everything.
Here, Rilke is suggesting that both poetry and childhood have a sort of insight into the world that is different from that of adults. Children are able to see things in a fresh and unspoiled way, unencumbered by the biases and prejudices that come with age and experience. Similarly, poetry has the ability to see the world in a new light, revealing truths that might otherwise be hidden.
The Power of Imagination
One of the key ways in which children are able to see the world in a fresh and unspoiled way is through the power of their imaginations. Rilke captures this idea in the lines:
Poetry and childhood
are full of imagination
that makes everything
appear more real.
The power of imagination is one of the hallmarks of childhood, and it is what allows children to see the world in a new and exciting way. Similarly, poetry has the ability to evoke powerful images in the mind of the reader, creating a world that is both familiar and strange at the same time.
The Importance of Play
Another theme that Rilke explores in this poem is the importance of play in both childhood and poetry. He writes:
Poetry and childhood
are always playing,
always discovering new things,
always looking for ways
to have fun.
Here, Rilke is suggesting that both poetry and childhood are characterized by a sense of playfulness and exploration. Children are always looking for new ways to play and have fun, and poetry is similarly characterized by a sense of playfulness and experimentation.
The Transience of Childhood
Finally, one of the key themes of this poem is the transience of childhood. Rilke writes:
Poetry and childhood
are not permanent.
They grow up,
become something else.
Here, Rilke is acknowledging the fact that childhood, like poetry, is fleeting. Children grow up and become adults, and the innocence and wonder of childhood is lost. Similarly, poetry is constantly changing and evolving, and the poems of today will not be the same as the poems of tomorrow.
Conclusion
Rainer Maria Rilke's "Poetry, Childhood" is a beautiful exploration of the parallels between the world of poetry and the world of childhood. Through his use of language and imagery, Rilke captures the innocence, wonder, and playfulness of childhood, and suggests that poetry has the ability to see the world in a fresh and unspoiled way. This poem is a reminder that, even as we grow older and lose some of the magic of childhood, we can still find wonder and beauty in the world if we look for it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Childhood is a time of innocence, wonder, and imagination. It is a time when the world is full of possibilities and everything seems magical. Rainer Maria Rilke's poem "Childhood" captures the essence of this magical time and takes us on a journey through the eyes of a child.
The poem begins with the line "It would be good to give much thought, before you try to find words for something so lost." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that childhood is something that cannot be fully captured in words. It is a time that is lost and can only be remembered through the lens of nostalgia.
Rilke then goes on to describe the world of childhood, with its "long, beautiful days" and "endless, happy nights." He paints a picture of a world that is full of wonder and magic, where everything is new and exciting. The child in the poem is full of curiosity and is constantly exploring the world around them.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as Rilke describes the fear and uncertainty that can also be a part of childhood. He writes, "There are days when a child cries, afraid of the dark." This line reminds us that childhood is not always a happy and carefree time, and that there are moments of fear and uncertainty that can be overwhelming for a child.
Despite these moments of fear, Rilke suggests that childhood is a time of great potential. He writes, "And then, with its wings suddenly, painfully, it puts you in the cold world." This line suggests that childhood is a time of preparation, a time when we are being prepared for the challenges of adulthood. It is a time when we are given the tools we need to navigate the world and to fulfill our potential.
The poem ends with the line "And the grownups, they are no help." This line suggests that the world of adulthood is not always a welcoming place, and that the child must navigate it on their own. It is a reminder that childhood is a time of innocence and wonder, and that we should cherish it while we can.
Overall, Rilke's poem "Childhood" is a beautiful and poignant reminder of the magic and wonder of childhood. It captures the essence of this special time in our lives, and reminds us of the importance of cherishing it while we can. Whether we are parents, grandparents, or simply people who remember our own childhoods, this poem is a powerful reminder of the beauty and potential of this special time in our lives.
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