Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PRESAGING by RAINER MARIA RILKE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: I AM LIKE A FLAG UNFURLED IN SPACE
Last Line: AND THRUST MYSELF FORTH AND AM ALONE IN THE GREAT STORM.
Subject(s): SELFLESSNESS; SOLITUDE; LONELINESS;
I AM like a flag unfurled in space,
I scent the oncoming winds and must bend with them,
While the things beneath are not yet stirring,
While the doors close gently and there is silence in the chimneys
And the windows do not yet tremble and the dust is still heavy—
Then I feel the storm and am vibrant like the sea
And expand and withdraw into myself
And thrust myself forth and am alone in the great storm.



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