poetry texts, poem archive at plagiarist.com

I am no one and never will be anyone,
for I am far too small to claim to be;
not even later.

Mothers and Fathers,
take pity on me.

I fear it will not pay to raise me:
I shall fall victim to the mower's scythe.
No one can find me useful now: I am too young,
and tomorrow will be too late.

I only have one dress,
worn thin and faded,
but it will last an eternity
even before God, perhaps.

I only have this whispy hair
(that always remained the same)
yet once was someone's dearest love.

Now he has nothing that he loves.


Translated by Albert Ernest Flemming

Added: 2 Mar 2002 | Last Read: 8 Sep 2026 5:58 AM | Viewed: 4726 times

A PoetryNotes™ Analysis of Song Of The Orphan by Rainer Maria Rilke, is Available!

A PoetryNotes™ eBook is available for this poem for delivery within 24 hours, and usually available within minutes during normal business hours.

ON SALE - only $29.95 19.95!

For more information...