-
Annotated by:
- Coulehan, Jack
- Date of entry: Jul-05-1999
Summary
The "laboring through what is still undone" is difficult and awkward like a swan's walking. But dying is like the swan leaving dry land. The water "receives him gently" and he moves with grace. The swan appears indifferent as he "condescends to glide." [12 lines]
Miscellaneous
Translated from the German by Stephen Mitchell.
Primary Source
The Selected Poetry of Ranier Maria Rilke
Publisher
Vintage International
Place Published
New York
Edition
1982
Editor
Stephen Mitchell
Commentary
The swan metaphor is splendid. The ungainliness of dying gives way to beauty, grace, and detachment. After "laboring through" the last things, one may at last let go and fall into the water.