The Flag Bearer
The others feel the ill-proportioned outfit
rough against them: iron, wool, and leather.
True, some are flattered by a cap feather,
yet how alone and unloved they all are;
but he, as if it were a woman he bears it -
this banner in her ceremonial clothes -
just behind him her heavy silk blows,
and often draping over his hands she lies.
He sees just a smile when he shuts his eyes -
he will not ever give her over.
And when they come in blazing armor
and grasp and struggle and try to capture
his banner, from its staff he must hack it,
as if he were tearing her very
maidenhead, to hide it under his jacket.
And for the others this is courage and glory.
- Rilke
yet how alone and unloved they all are;
but he, as if it were a woman he bears it -
this banner in her ceremonial clothes -
just behind him her heavy silk blows,
and often draping over his hands she lies.
He sees just a smile when he shuts his eyes -
he will not ever give her over.
And when they come in blazing armor
and grasp and struggle and try to capture
his banner, from its staff he must hack it,
as if he were tearing her very
maidenhead, to hide it under his jacket.
And for the others this is courage and glory.
- Rilke
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