Der Panther [English translation]

The Panther

In the Garden of Plants (Jardin des Plantes), Paris

His gaze, going past those bars, has got so misted

with tiredness, it can take in nothing more.

He feels as though a thousand bars existed,

and no more world beyond them than before.

Those supply powerful paddings, turning there

in tiniest of circles, well might be

the dance of forces round a centre where

some mighty will stands paralyticly.

Just now and then the pupils' noiseless shutter

is lifted. - Then an image will indart,

down through the limbs' intensive stillness flutter,

and end its being in the heart.

• Artist:Rainer Maria Rilke