Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHAT SURVIVES by RAINER MARIA RILKE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: WHO SAYS THAT ALL MUST VANISH?
Last Line: AN ANGEL WEARS IT AFTER YOU
Subject(s): MOURNING;

Who says that all must vanish?
Who knows, perhaps the flight
of the bird you wound remains,
and perhaps flowers survive
caresses in us, in their ground.


It isn't the gesture that lasts,
but it dresses you again in gold
armor -from breast to knees-
and the battle was so pure
an Angel wears it after you.




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