Rilke's Hands: An Essay on Gentleness

This book is a meditative reading that interprets Rilkes poetry as a musician might play Debussys Clair de lune, transposing into the key of language his recognition of the transience of things, his empathy toward those who suffer, and the concept of gentleness. The German word leise (gentle, tender, quiet) weaves the first thread, followed by flowers, girls hands, angels, the beloved, the poor, the dying and the dead, animals, birds, dogs, fountains, things, and vanishings. The purpose of this essay is to experience and examine gentleness, how it shapes and pervades Rilkes work, and how his poetry might gently inspire us to become more gentle people.

Format: Hardback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book serves as a meditative reading experience, inviting readers to delve into the profound depths of Rilke's poetry. With sixty-one aphoristic entries, each crafted with the artistry of a musician transposing Debussys Clair de lune into the language of poetry, the reader is transported into the realm of Rilke's gentle disposition. Here, Rilke's recognition of the transient nature of things, his empathy towards the vulnerability and fragility of people, animals, and flowers, and his profound sense of empathy towards those who suffer come to life.

As the reader explores these pages, a delicate thread emerges, interwoven with the concept of gentleness. The German word "leise," meaning gentle, tender, and quiet, weaves the first thread, setting the stage for the exploration that follows. The second thread is formed by the cut flowers gently laid out on the garden table, their beauty recovering from the initial stages of death. These flowers become a metaphor for gentleness, as they gently envelop the pages of the book.

The threads of gentleness continue to unfold, interlacing with various elements in Rilke's poetry. Hands, portrayed as agents of gentleness throughout Rilke's work, play a central role in this narrative. They are associated with flowers, girls, angels, beloveds, the poor, the dying, and the dead, animals, birds, dogs, fountains, things, and vanishing. Each association adds depth and richness to the exploration of gentleness, reminding us of its pervasive presence in Rilke's poetry and its potential to inspire us to become more gentle individuals.

The purpose of this essay is to embark on a journey of experiencing and examining gentleness, its profound influence on Rilke's work, and its potential to inspire us to embrace a gentler way of being. Through the exploration of Rilke's poetry, we are invited to cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, fostering a sense of compassion and empathy that can transform our lives and the world we inhabit.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032385075