By Day Thou are the Legend and the Dream
The work explores the duality of existence, contrasting the tangible and the ethereal. It begins by depicting a divine presence that embodies both legend and dream, suggesting a connection between the spiritual and the mundane. The imagery of whispers and stillness evokes a sense of mystery and introspection, as the divine influence permeates daily life. As day transitions to night, the poem reflects on the cyclical nature of time and the inevitability of rest. The evening is portrayed as a time of surrender, where the world quiets down, and the divine realm becomes more pronounced. Smoke rising from rooftops symbolizes the merging of the earthly with the spiritual, reinforcing the idea that the divine is ever-present, even in the ordinary moments of life. The work delves into themes of longing, the search for meaning, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. It suggests that in the stillness of night, one can find a deeper connection to the sacred. The imagery evokes a sense of reverence and contemplation, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of the divine in the everyday. Throughout the piece, the interplay between light and darkness serves as a metaphor for understanding the complexities of existence. The divine is portrayed as both a guiding force and a source of comfort, emphasizing the importance of faith and introspection. The poem ultimately suggests that through recognizing the divine in both the extraordinary and the mundane, one can achieve a sense of peace and fulfillment. The work concludes with a reaffirmation of the divine presence, encouraging a continuous exploration of the relationship between the human experience and the spiritual realm. It invites readers to embrace the duality of life, acknowledging both the struggles and the moments of transcendence that define the human condition.
By Rainer Maria Rilke · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical · 93 words
First lines
By day Thou are the Legend and the Dream That like a whisper floats about all men, The deep and brooding stillnesses which seem, After the hour has struck, to close again.
And when the day with drowsy gesture bends And sinks to sleep beneath the evening skies, As from each roof a tower of smoke ascends -- So does Thy Realm, my God, around me rise.
What this Textopian page supports
By Day Thou are the Legend and the Dream is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, dated 1926 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rainer Maria Rilke
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical, Romanticism, Symbolism
- Length: 93 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for By Day Thou are the Legend and the Dream by Rainer Maria Rilke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering By Day Thou are the Legend and the Dream?
- How does this poem by Rainer Maria Rilke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Offering by Ranier Maria Rilke
- Symbols by Ranier Maria Rilke
- In The Deep Nights by Ranier Maria Rilke
- Presaging by Ranier Maria Rilke
- Life by W. B. Yeats
- All Those Who Seek Thee Tempt Thee by Ranier Maria Rilke
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing lyrical language and imagery typical of poetry.
- Spiritual — The themes explore the divine and existential reflections, indicating a spiritual dimension.
- Philosophical — The text delves into profound questions about existence and the nature of reality.
- Romanticism — The emotional depth and focus on nature and the sublime align with Romantic literary characteristics.
Tags
Philosophical · Poetic · Existential · Spiritual · Meditative · Inspirational · Symbolic · Metaphorical · Psychological · Emotional · Introspective · Self-Discovery