It was not in me It came and went I wanted to hold it It was held by wine (I no longer know what it was)
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the transient nature of inspiration and creativity, often influenced by external factors like wine.
In this quote, Rainer Maria Rilke expresses a deep sense of the fleeting and ephemeral aspects of inspiration and creative moments. He emphasizes how these moments can arrive unexpectedly and elude our grasp, often supported by elements outside of ourselves, such as alcohol, which may serve as a catalyst for creativity but also complicates the experience of truly understanding it.
In practice
This quote can be shared in a discussion about the nature of creativity in an art class.
Spring has again returned. _x000D_ _x000D_ The Earth is like a child that knows many poems._x000D_ _x000D_ Many, O so many. For the hardship_x000D_ _x000D_ of such long learning she receives the prize._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ Strict was her teacher. _x000D_ _x000D_ The white in the old man's beard pleases us._x000D_ _x000D_ Now, what to call green, to call blue,_x000D_ _x000D_ we dare to ask: She knows, She knows!
Verses are not, as people think, feelings (those one has early enough) -- they are experiences. For the sake of a verse one must see many cities, men, and things, one must know the animals feel how birds fly, and know the gesture with which the little flowers open in the morning.
a good marriage is that in which each appoints the other guardian of his solitude
He reproduced himself with so much humble objectivity, with the unquestioning, matter of fact interest of a dog who sees himself in a mirror and thinks: there's another dog.
The only journey is the one within.
And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been
A parallel between color and music can only be relative – just as a violin can give warm shades of tone, so yellow has shades, which can be expressed by various instruments.
There is an art to the business of making sandwiches which it is given to few ever to find the time to explore in depth. It is a simple task, but the opportunities for satisfaction are many and profound.
The page is long, blank, and full of truth. When I am through with it, it shall probably be long, full, and empty with words.
If we doubt the power of literature and art to civilise, how come no one has ever been mugged by a person carrying a well-thumbed copy of 'Middlemarch' in his back pocket?
Music and comedy are so linked. The rhythm of comedy is connected to the rhythm of music. They’re both about creating tension and knowing when to let it go. I’m always surprised when somebody funny is not musical.
The poet enjoys the incomparable privilege of being able to be himself and others, as he wishes.
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