These are my English translations of Rainer Maria Rilke, one of the world's greatest poets, and one of the most fascinating. Did he actually communicate with angels? Read his Duino Elegies and decide.
In this poem by Rilke, the speaker is studying a sculpture by Auguste Rodin, and notes that this work possesses an abundance of energy and vitality that his own work (his own life) lacks. This leads him to a pivotal moment of insight that could make a good artist, a truly great one, if enacted: “You must change your life.” Great poem! Great translation!
Rilke is number three on my list of all time favourite poets, and having an excellent translator who can do justice to a great poem of his is essential because the two poets above him on list are Eliot and Yeats.
In this poem by Rilke, the speaker is studying a sculpture by Auguste Rodin, and notes that this work possesses an abundance of energy and vitality that his own work (his own life) lacks. This leads him to a pivotal moment of insight that could make a good artist, a truly great one, if enacted: “You must change your life.” Great poem! Great translation!
That's one of my favorite translations, so I'm glad you liked it.
And the two just below his are Sappho and Neruda. But Rilke is actually that good. I'm glad he changed his life when he did.
That's a strong top five. If narrative poets are included, one would have to give Shakespeare and Homer strong consideration.
Rilke is number three on my list of all time favourite poets, and having an excellent translator who can do justice to a great poem of his is essential because the two poets above him on list are Eliot and Yeats.
That is tough competition!