.
She stands against the sunlit sky,
_Her beauty plain to see.
The birds sing sweet and pleasant songs
_High in the linden tree.
The weary travelers stop below
_To rest their weary bones,
And listen to the happy birds
_Sing cheerful, rhythmic tones.
They rest beneath her cooling shade;
_Wind whispers through her leaves.
Their eyelids slowly creeping down,
_Beneath the linden tree.
.
.
Thor Kangas is a poet residing in Castle Rock, Washington.
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Mary Jane, this is a wonderful translation of Rilke's original German. I love how you maintained the rhyme-scheme and the…
Wow! Very impressive, and imaginatively creative, translation feat!
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Pretty much all of us can use a brief, calming pause beneath such a linden tree from time to time, Thor. Thank you for this very soothing piece –
Thank you, Mark!
This brings to mind the Linden Baum in Berlin that I used to see on occasion. This is a precious gem and a breath of fresh air.
Thank you, Roy!
Their eyelids slowly creeping down,
_Beneath the linden tree.
Beautiful and well-put (a circumstance I need to be sure and find myself in sometime this coming season) – Summer at its most ideal!
Thank you, Jeremiah
A simple and pleasant poem.
Thank you!
Like a comforting memory put away for a rainy day.
Thanks for the read, Thor.
Thank you, Paul!
Very beautiful!
Thank you, Lacey!
Calming while short and sweet. Amazing as always
Thanks, Mary
I could hear the bird sing and feel the cooling shade putting me to sleep. This a short yet such a relaxing poem. Thanks, Thor.
Thank you, Shamik!
Personifying the linden as a female figure creates a comforting scene. And the repetition of “weary” about the travelers and about their bones gives a strong sense of the need satisfied by the tree. Simply good, Thor!
Thank you, Margaret!
I’m not sure if you’ve ever tried tea made with linden flowers. It’s supposed to help you fall asleep. I’ve never noticed that property, but it has a pleasant taste. Your poem alludes to that soporific property of the linden, presenting it as the bringer of peace that we all seek in our restlessness. Your linden tree is more than just a place to rest in the shade; it is the state of being at peace.
Thank you.
Thank you, Adam!