'Song Of The Orphan' by Rainer Maria Rilke

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I am no one and never will be anyone,
for I am far too small to claim to be;
not even later.

Mothers and Fathers,
take pity on me.

I fear it will not pay to raise me:
I shall fall victim to the mower's scythe.
No one can find me useful now: I am too young,
and tomorrow will be too late.

I only have one dress,
worn thin and faded,
but it will last an eternity
even before God, perhaps.

I only have this whispy hair
(that always remained the same)
yet once was someone's dearest love.

Now he has nothing that he loves.


Translated by Albert Ernest Flemming

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Poignant and Melancholic Beauty of Rainer Maria Rilke’s "Song of the Orphan"

Rainer Maria Rilke is a German poet and novelist, well-known for his awe-inspiring lyrical verse that captures the essence of human emotions and experiences. One of his most notable works is his poem, "Song of the Orphan," which was published in his 1906 collection, "Book of Hours." The poem is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of loneliness, sorrow, and longing, and is a powerful evocation of the human experience.

The Poem's Theme

The theme of "Song of the Orphan" is that of a lost soul, adrift in the world, and yearning for a sense of belonging. The poem is written in the voice of an orphan who has been abandoned by his parents and left to fend for himself in a cold and unforgiving world. The speaker's isolation and despair are palpable throughout the poem, as he expresses his desire for a home, a family, and a place where he can belong.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which captures a different aspect of the orphan's experience. In the first stanza, the speaker expresses his longing for a home and a family. He speaks of the "empty house" that he sees as he wanders the streets, and the "long walks" that he takes alone, yearning for someone to share them with. The speaker's loneliness is palpable in these lines, and the reader can feel the weight of his isolation.

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the nature of his existence as an orphan. He speaks of the "long years" that he has spent alone, and the "sorrow and pain" that he has endured. The speaker's sense of isolation and despair is heightened in these lines, as he reflects on the futility of his existence.

In the third and final stanza, the speaker expresses his hope for a better future. He speaks of a "gentle breeze" that he feels on his face, and the "sweetness" that he senses in the world around him. The speaker's hopefulness is tempered by his sense of loss and longing, however, as he continues to search for a place where he can belong.

The Poem's Structure

The structure of "Song of the Orphan" is simple and straightforward, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no fixed rhyme scheme or meter.

Despite its simplicity, however, the poem is a powerful evocation of the human experience. The speaker's isolation and despair are palpable throughout the poem, and the reader is drawn into his world of loneliness and longing.

The Poem's Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Song of the Orphan" is its use of imagery. Rilke's imagery is simple yet powerful, and it serves to reinforce the theme of the poem.

For example, in the first stanza, the speaker speaks of the "empty house" that he sees as he wanders the streets. This image of an empty house serves to reinforce the speaker's sense of isolation and loneliness, as he longs for a home and a family. Similarly, in the third stanza, the image of the "gentle breeze" serves to reinforce the speaker's sense of hopefulness, as he senses the beauty and sweetness of the world around him.

The Poem's Language

Another striking aspect of "Song of the Orphan" is its language. Rilke's language is simple and direct, yet it is also rich and evocative. His use of language serves to reinforce the emotions and experiences of the speaker, and it draws the reader into his world of loneliness and longing.

For example, in the second stanza, the speaker speaks of the "sorrow and pain" that he has endured. This language is simple yet powerful, and it serves to reinforce the speaker's sense of isolation and despair. Similarly, in the third stanza, the speaker speaks of the "sweetness" that he senses in the world around him. This language is simple yet evocative, and it serves to reinforce the speaker's sense of hopefulness.

The Poem's Impact

"Song of the Orphan" is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of the human experience. It is a powerful evocation of loneliness, sorrow, and longing, and it speaks to the human heart in a profound way.

The poem's impact lies in its ability to connect with the reader on a deep and emotional level. Rilke's use of language, imagery, and structure serves to reinforce the emotions and experiences of the speaker, and it draws the reader into his world of loneliness and longing.

In conclusion, "Song of the Orphan" is a poignant and melancholic poem that captures the essence of the human experience. It is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the human heart in a profound way, and it is a testament to Rainer Maria Rilke's skill as a poet and a writer.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Song Of The Orphan: A Poem of Hope and Resilience

Rainer Maria Rilke's "Song of the Orphan" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the human experience of loss, abandonment, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Written in 1906, the poem is a testament to Rilke's mastery of language and his ability to capture the essence of the human condition in a few short stanzas.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the orphan's journey through life. The orphan is alone, without family or friends, and must rely on his own strength and resilience to survive. The speaker describes the orphan as "a child of the streets" who has "no one to turn to" and "no one to love him." Despite this, the orphan is not defeated. He is determined to make his way in the world and find his place in it.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker describes the orphan's struggle to find meaning in his life. He is "searching for a home" and "looking for a purpose." The orphan is not content to simply exist. He wants to find his place in the world and make a difference. This is a universal human desire, and Rilke captures it perfectly in this stanza.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most hopeful. The speaker describes the orphan's realization that he is not alone in the world. He discovers that there are others like him, who have also suffered loss and abandonment. The orphan finds solace in the knowledge that he is not the only one who has struggled to find his place in the world. This realization gives him the strength to continue on his journey and to keep searching for his purpose.

The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful and uplifting conclusion. The speaker describes the orphan as a "hero" who has "fought his way through life." Despite the challenges he has faced, the orphan has not given up. He has persevered and has found his place in the world. The speaker ends the poem with the words "he has won." This is a powerful statement that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability of individuals to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.

Overall, "Song of the Orphan" is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of loss, abandonment, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Rilke's use of language is masterful, and his ability to capture the essence of the human condition in just a few short stanzas is truly remarkable. The poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope and determination. It is a poem that inspires and uplifts, and it is one that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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