'Moving Forward' by Rainer Maria Rilke


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The deep parts of my life pour onward,
as if the river shores were opening out.
It seems that things are more like me now,
That I can see farther into paintings.
I feel closer to what language can't reach.
With my senses, as with birds, I climb
into the windy heaven, out of the oak,
in the ponds broken off from the sky
my falling sinks, as if standing on fishes.


Translated by Robert Bly

Editor 1 Interpretation

Moving Forward: A Critical Interpretation of Rainer Maria Rilke's Masterpiece

Have you ever encountered a piece of literature that speaks to you so deeply it feels like it was written just for you? That's exactly what Moving Forward, a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, does for many readers. This masterpiece of poetic literature is a rare gem that speaks to the human spirit, reminding us that even in the midst of life's hardships, we can always move forward.

At its core, Moving Forward is a poem about the power of resilience, the ability to keep moving forward despite the obstacles life throws our way. The poem's opening lines set the tone for the rest of the piece, with Rilke declaring, "Let everything happen to you / Beauty and terror / Just keep going / No feeling is final."

These lines are a powerful reminder that life is full of both beauty and terror, joy and pain, and that we must learn to embrace all of it if we want to move forward. The poem's use of the phrase "No feeling is final" is particularly poignant, as it reminds us that even the most difficult emotions are only temporary and that we have the power to overcome them.

As the poem continues, Rilke explores the idea of resilience in greater depth, encouraging us to "Go deeper than love / For the soul has greater depths / Love is like the grass / But the heart is deep wild rock / Molten, yet dense and permanent."

These lines are a powerful reminder that true resilience comes not from surface-level emotions like love or happiness, but from a deeper sense of self and purpose. The heart, like the deep wild rock Rilke describes, is both molten and permanent, able to withstand the heat of life's challenges while remaining steadfast in its core beliefs.

Throughout the poem, Rilke uses vivid imagery and metaphor to explore the theme of resilience. In one particularly striking stanza, he compares the human spirit to a bird that "follows an ancient knowing / And the song that sings it home."

This metaphor is a powerful reminder that even when we feel lost or directionless, there is a deep inner knowing within us that can guide us forward. The song that sings us home is a reminder of our own innate resilience, our ability to keep moving forward even when everything else seems uncertain.

Moving Forward is also a poem about the importance of self-knowledge and self-awareness. In one stanza, Rilke writes, "What is the deepest loss / That you have suffered? / If drinking is bitter / Change yourself to wine."

These lines are a powerful reminder that the greatest losses in life can teach us valuable lessons about ourselves, and that we have the power to transform ourselves in the face of adversity. By changing ourselves to wine, we can become stronger, more resilient versions of ourselves, able to face whatever challenges life throws our way.

Throughout the poem, Rilke uses language and imagery that is at once simple and profound, making Moving Forward a masterpiece of poetic literature that speaks to the human spirit in a way few other works can. The poem's themes of resilience, self-knowledge, and self-awareness are universal, making it a piece of literature that can resonate with readers across time and space.

In conclusion, Moving Forward is a rare gem of poetic literature that speaks to the human spirit in a way few other works can. Through its exploration of resilience, self-knowledge, and self-awareness, the poem reminds us that even in the midst of life's challenges, we can always keep moving forward. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading this masterpiece, I highly recommend it – your spirit will thank you.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Moving Forward: A Poem of Hope and Resilience

Rainer Maria Rilke’s Moving Forward is a poem that speaks to the human spirit’s ability to persevere through adversity. It is a powerful piece that encourages us to keep moving forward, even when the road ahead seems uncertain and challenging. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the lines, “Let everything happen to you / Beauty and terror / Just keep going / No feeling is final.” These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. Rilke acknowledges that life can be both beautiful and terrifying, but he urges us to keep moving forward, reminding us that no feeling is permanent.

The next stanza reads, “Don't let yourself lose me / Nearby is the country they call life / You will know it by its seriousness.” Here, Rilke is urging us not to lose sight of what is important in life. He reminds us that life is serious and that we must stay focused on our goals and aspirations. The use of the word “country” is significant, as it suggests that life is a journey, and we must navigate it with purpose and intention.

The third stanza reads, “Give me your hand.” This line is a call to action, urging us to take the poet’s hand and follow him on this journey. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can find strength in the support of others. The use of the second person pronoun “you” throughout the poem also emphasizes this point, as it creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the poet and the reader.

The fourth stanza reads, “You are the one / Who makes the roads underfoot.” This line is a powerful metaphor for the idea that we are the creators of our own destiny. We must take responsibility for our lives and the paths we choose to take. The use of the word “underfoot” suggests that we must be grounded and rooted in our decisions, and that we must be willing to take risks and make bold choices.

The fifth stanza reads, “But only if you have been / To the very edge / And the edge of all that you know / And it's dark.” Here, Rilke is acknowledging that the journey will not be easy. We must be willing to confront our fears and venture into the unknown. The use of the word “dark” suggests that we may encounter moments of uncertainty and doubt, but we must push through them to reach our goals.

The final stanza reads, “Silently, side by side / The stars are watching us / And wonder / What will we do with this rare and precious life?” This final stanza is a powerful reminder of the beauty and wonder of life. The use of the word “rare” suggests that life is a precious gift, and we must make the most of it. The stars watching us suggest that we are not alone in our journey, and that the universe is rooting for us to succeed.

Throughout the poem, Rilke uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. The use of metaphor, for example, is particularly effective in creating a sense of depth and meaning. The metaphor of the road, for example, is used throughout the poem to represent the journey of life. The use of the second person pronoun “you” is also significant, as it creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the poet and the reader.

The poem’s structure is also significant. The use of short, concise stanzas creates a sense of urgency and momentum, emphasizing the importance of moving forward. The repetition of the phrase “just keep going” throughout the poem also reinforces this idea, creating a sense of determination and resilience.

In conclusion, Moving Forward is a powerful poem that speaks to the human spirit’s ability to persevere through adversity. Rilke’s use of metaphor and literary devices creates a sense of depth and meaning, emphasizing the importance of resilience, perseverance, and taking responsibility for our lives. The poem’s structure and repetition also reinforce these ideas, creating a sense of urgency and momentum. Ultimately, Moving Forward is a poem of hope and resilience, reminding us that we have the strength and courage to overcome life’s challenges and achieve our goals.

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