Monday, 19 February 2024

R.M. Rilke: 'Petite Cascade'


 

Petite cascade

 

Nymphe, se revêtant toujours 

de ce qui la dénude, 

que ton corps s'exalte pour 

l'onde ronde et rude.

 

Sans repos tu changes d'habit, 

même de chevelure; 

derrière tant de fuite, ta vie 

reste présence pure.

 

 

Small cascade

 

Nymph, always donning once more that

which seeks to lay her bare,

that lets your body revel at

the coursing waves that tear.

 

You change your clothes incessantly

even your hair’s allure;

your life, since you have ceased to flee,

stays presence, sheer and pure.

 

 

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