Symbols
Symbols - meaning Summary
Longing Made Into Action
The poem contrasts limitless inner longing with the limited capacity of human action. Rilke compares desire to fountains that aim high but falter and fall, suggesting our efforts often buckle under weakness and fear. Yet those same downward motions release a joyful, life-affirming energy. The poem frames failure and trembling as the conditions in which a vital force still leaps forth, turning loss into movement.
Read Complete AnalysesFrom infinite longings finite deeds rise As fountains spring toward far-off glowing skies, But rushing swiftly upward weakly bend And trembling from their lack of power descend— So through the falling torrent of our fears Our joyous force leaps like these dancing tears.
Translated by Jessie Lamont
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