The Tomb of a Young Girl
The poem reflects on the themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time through the lens of a young girl's tomb. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and the inevitability of death, contrasting the vibrancy of youth with the permanence of mortality. The speaker recalls the girl's physical beauty and innocence, symbolized by natural imagery, such as the lemon tree, which suggests growth and vitality. The narrative intertwines the girl's life with the influence of a male figure, described as both alluring and destructive. This duality highlights the complexities of love and desire, as well as the vulnerability of youth. The imagery of blood and the sea conveys a sense of tumult and passion, suggesting that the girl's existence was marked by intense emotions and experiences. As the poem progresses, it delves deeper into the girl's identity and her relationship with the world around her. The speaker grapples with the tension between remembrance and the finality of death, emphasizing how the past continues to resonate in the present. The juxtaposition of life and death serves to underscore the fragility of youth and the lasting impact of those who have passed. Ultimately, the work encapsulates a poignant meditation on the ephemeral nature of existence, the enduring power of memory, and the bittersweet beauty found in the fleeting moments of life. The tomb becomes a symbol of both loss and the eternal connection to those who have left this world, inviting reflection on the cycles of life and the legacies we leave behind.
By Rainer Maria Rilke · First published 1908 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Symbolism · 122 words
First lines
We still remember! The same as of yore All that has happened once again must be. As grows a lemon-tree upon the shore -- It was like that -- your light, small breasts you bore, And his blood's current coursed like the wild sea.
That god -- who was the wanderer, the slim Despoiler of fair women; he -- the wise, -- But sweet and glowing as your thoughts of him Who cast a shadow over your young limb While bending like your arched brows o'er your eyes.
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The Tomb of a Young Girl is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Symbolism, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 122 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Evening by Emily Dickinson
- By The Sea by Emily Dickinson
- Days And Dreams by Madison Cawein
- Low Tide by Edna St Vincent Millay
- The Last Night That She Lived by Emily Dickinson
- Lament by Ranier Maria Rilke
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work exhibits strong emotional expression and personal reflection, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The themes of loss and remembrance suggest an elegiac quality, mourning the young girl.
- Symbolism — The use of vivid imagery and metaphor aligns with Symbolist poetry, emphasizing deeper meanings.
- Romanticism — The focus on individual emotion and nature reflects Romantic ideals.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Loss · Grief · Memorialization · Memory · Identity · Self-Discovery · Inner Life · Spirituality