Going Blind
Martyn Bates, Rainer Maria Rilke
She'd sat just like the others there at tea
And then I'd seemed to notice that her cup
Was being a little differently picked up
She smiled once. It almost hurt to see
And when eventually they rose and talked
And slowly, and as chance led, were dispersing
Through several rooms there, laughing and conversing
I noticed her. Behind the rest she walked
Subduedly, like someone who presently
Will have to sing, and with so many listening;
On those bright eyes of hers, with pleasure glistening
Played, as on pools, an outer radiancy
She followed slowly and she needed time
As though some long ascent were not yet by;
And yet: As though, when she had ceased to climb
She would not longer merely walk, but fly