The Vastness of Connection

Bereft of Knowledge before the heavens of my life,

I stand astonished. Oh the great stars.

Their rising and their setting. How quiet.

As if I did not exist. Am I taking part? Do I discount

their pure power? Does it rule the movement of my blood?

I will yearn for no closer connections and accustom my heart

to its farthest reaches.

Better it live with the spine-chilling stars

than with the pretence of some protection hovering near.

-Rainer Maria Rilke