We forgot the phenomenology of being-in-the-world where the gods had played.
Once Gods Walked
Once gods walked among humans,
The splendid Muses and youthful Apollo
Inspired and healed us, just like you.
And you are to me as if one of the Holy Ones
Had sent me forth into life, and the image
Of my beloved goes with me,
And wherever I stay and whatever I learn,
I learned and gained it from her,
With a love that lasts until death.
Then let us live, you with whom I suffer
And inwardly strive towards better times
In faith and loyalty. For we are the ones.
And if people should remember us both
In years to come, when Spirit again prevails,
They'd say that these lonely ones lovingly
Created a secret world, known to the gods alone.
The earth will take back those concerned
With impermanent things: others climb higher
To ethereal Light who've been faithful
To the love inside themselves, and to the spirit
Of the gods. Thus they master Fate
In patience, hope and quietness.
Friedrich Holderlin
Holderlin! I’m just preparing to start Holderlin! He was one of Heidegger’s favorites. Thank you Amy!
He was a favorite of Josef Pieper too, I believe.
How neat. I just downloaded Holderlin a week ago after Alfred Denker spoke on Heidegger's use of Holderlin during our seminar. I love this poem!
Once Gods Walked
Once gods walked among humans,
The splendid Muses and youthful Apollo
Inspired and healed us, just like you.
And you are to me as if one of the Holy Ones
Had sent me forth into life, and the image
Of my beloved goes with me,
And wherever I stay and whatever I learn,
I learned and gained it from her,
With a love that lasts until death.
Then let us live, you with whom I suffer
And inwardly strive towards better times
In faith and loyalty. For we are the ones.
And if people should remember us both
In years to come, when Spirit again prevails,
They'd say that these lonely ones lovingly
Created a secret world, known to the gods alone.
The earth will take back those concerned
With impermanent things: others climb higher
To ethereal Light who've been faithful
To the love inside themselves, and to the spirit
Of the gods. Thus they master Fate
In patience, hope and quietness.
Friedrich Holderlin
Holderlin! I’m just preparing to start Holderlin! He was one of Heidegger’s favorites. Thank you Amy!
He was a favorite of Josef Pieper too, I believe.
How neat. I just downloaded Holderlin a week ago after Alfred Denker spoke on Heidegger's use of Holderlin during our seminar. I love this poem!