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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

INTERIOR PORTRAIT by RAINER MARIA RILKE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: YOU DON'T SURVIVE IN ME
Last Line: TO LOSE YOU A LITTLE LESS


You don't survive in me
because of memories;
nor are you mine because
of a lovely longing's strength.


What does make you present
is the ardent detour
that a slow tenderness
traces in my blood.


I do not need
to see you appear;
being born sufficed for me
to lose you a little less.


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