Poems of Friedrich Hölderlin


 


Patmos - 8


Honoring the gods has not been seen
For far too long. They practically have to
Guide our fingers as we write,
And with embarrassment the energy
Is torn from our hearts.
For every heavenly being expects
A sacrifice, and when this is neglected,
No good can come of it. Without awareness
We’ve worshipped our Mother the Earth,
And the light of the sun as well, but what our Father
Who reigns over everything wants most
Is that the established word be carefully attended,
And all that abides be interpreted well.
German song accords with this.

 

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