The Woman Who Loves
By Rainer Maria Rilke
Ah yes! I long for you. To you I glide
And lose myself — for to you I belong.
The hope that hitherto I have denied
Imperious comes to me as from your side
Serious, unfaltering and swift and strong.
Those times: the times when I was quite alone
By memories wrapt that whispered to me low,
My silence was the quiet of a stone
Over which rippling murmuring waters flow.
But in these weeks of the awakening Spring
Something within me has been freed — something
That in the past dark years unconscious lay,
Which rises now within me and commands
And gives my poor warm life into your hands
Who know not what I was that Yesterday.
And lose myself — for to you I belong.
The hope that hitherto I have denied
Imperious comes to me as from your side
Serious, unfaltering and swift and strong.
Those times: the times when I was quite alone
By memories wrapt that whispered to me low,
My silence was the quiet of a stone
Over which rippling murmuring waters flow.
But in these weeks of the awakening Spring
Something within me has been freed — something
That in the past dark years unconscious lay,
Which rises now within me and commands
And gives my poor warm life into your hands
Who know not what I was that Yesterday.
Poem Analysis:
Rainer Maria Rilke's poem "The Woman Who Loves" delves into the transformative power of love and the profound effect it has on an individual's sense of self and perception of life. Through rich imagery and introspective reflections, Rilke captures the essence of a woman's deep longing and the awakening of her innermost feelings as she surrenders to love.
Theme and Content
The central theme of the poem is the overwhelming and consuming nature of love. Rilke explores how love can lead to a profound transformation, freeing the soul from past constraints and allowing it to embrace new hopes and desires.
- Longing and Belonging: The poem begins with an intense expression of longing: "Ah yes! I long for you. To you I glide / And lose myself — for to you I belong." This line sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the speaker's deep yearning and sense of belonging to the beloved.
- Hope and Transformation: The speaker acknowledges a hope that she had previously denied, which now comes to her "Imperious ... as from your side / Serious, unfaltering and swift and strong." This hope, linked to the presence of the beloved, signifies a powerful and transformative force in the speaker's life.
- Isolation and Reflection: The speaker reflects on past times of solitude: "Those times: the times when I was quite alone / By memories wrapt that whispered to me low." This isolation is compared to "the quiet of a stone / Over which rippling murmuring waters flow," suggesting a state of stillness and contemplation, albeit one that lacks the vibrancy of life.
- Spring and Awakening: The arrival of spring symbolizes renewal and awakening: "But in these weeks of the awakening Spring / Something within me has been freed." This seasonal metaphor indicates a reawakening of the speaker's emotions and desires, which had lain dormant during the "past dark years."
- Surrender and Command: The poem concludes with the speaker surrendering her life into the hands of the beloved: "And gives my poor warm life into your hands / Who know not what I was that Yesterday." This act of surrender signifies trust and a willingness to be vulnerable, as the speaker embraces the transformative power of love.
Imagery and Tone
Rilke employs vivid imagery and a contemplative tone to convey the depth of the speaker's emotions and the transformative nature of love.
- Vivid Imagery: The imagery in the poem is rich and evocative. The comparison of the speaker's past silence to "the quiet of a stone / Over which rippling murmuring waters flow" creates a serene yet stagnant picture, contrasting with the dynamic and vibrant awakening brought by love.
- Seasonal Metaphor: The use of spring as a metaphor for awakening and renewal is a powerful image that underscores the theme of transformation. Spring represents new beginnings, growth, and the emergence of life, paralleling the speaker's emotional awakening.
- Contemplative Tone: The tone of the poem is introspective and contemplative. The speaker reflects on her past solitude and the profound changes brought about by love, creating a sense of introspection and self-awareness.
Structure and Style
Rilke's use of structure and style enhances the poem's emotional impact and thematic depth.
- Structured Reflection: The poem's structure, with its clear progression from longing and isolation to awakening and surrender, mirrors the speaker's emotional journey. This structured reflection allows the reader to follow the speaker's transformation in a coherent and impactful way.
- Lyricism and Fluidity: Rilke's lyrical style, characterized by flowing lines and harmonious rhythm, adds to the poem's emotional resonance. The fluidity of the language reflects the seamless merging of the speaker's past and present emotions, as well as her surrender to love.
- Emotional Depth: The poem's language is imbued with emotional depth, capturing the intensity of the speaker's longing, hope, and ultimate surrender. Rilke's choice of words and metaphors creates a vivid and poignant portrayal of the speaker's emotional landscape.
"The Woman Who Loves" by Rainer Maria Rilke is a poignant exploration of the transformative power of love. Through vivid imagery, contemplative reflections, and a lyrical style, Rilke captures the essence of a woman's deep longing and the awakening of her innermost feelings. The poem highlights the profound impact of love on the speaker's sense of self, illustrating how love can lead to renewal and a deeper connection with life. Rilke's masterful use of metaphor and emotional depth makes "The Woman Who Loves" a timeless and moving reflection on the nature of love and its ability to transform and elevate the human soul.