being
don paterson
silent comrade of the distances,
know that space dilates with your own breath;
ring out, as a bell into the earth
from the dark rafters of its own high place –
then watch what feeds on you grow strong again.
learn the transformations through and through:
what in your life has most tormented you?
if the water's sour, turn it into wine.
our senses cannot fathom this night, so
be the meaning of their strange encounter;
at their crossing, be the radiant centre.
and should the world itself forget your name
say this to the still earth: i flow.
say this to the quick stream: i am.
from orpheus: a version of rilke's die sonette an orpheus (london: faber and faber, 2006).
