You don't survive in me <br />because of memories; <br />nor are you mine because <br />of a lovely longing's strength. <br /> <br />What does make you present <br />is the ardent detour <br />that a slow tenderness <br />traces in my blood. <br /> <br />I do not need <br />to see you appear; <br />being born sufficed for me <br />to lose you a little less. <br /> <br /> <br />Translated by A. Poulin<br /><br />Rainer Maria Rilke<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/interior-portrait/
