You darkness from which I come,
I love you more than all the fires
that fence out the world,
for the fire makes a circle
for everyone
so that no one sees you anymore.
But darkness holds it all:
the shape and the flame,
the animal and myself,
how it holds them,
all powers, all sight —
and it is possible: its great strength
is breaking into my body.
I have faith in the night.
Original poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, translated here by David Whyte (it just doesn’t get any better).
Culturally we do not allow enough space or value to darkness – the night’s deeps, winter solstice, dreaming in a cave, Yin energy, the formless, infinite, indefinable, unknowing realms of unconsciousness and shadow. Yet this is where creativity and energy and aliveness are born.
Palace Gate Counselling Service, Exeter
Counselling Exeter since 1994
