Memorial Day Photos, Day #2: Rainer Maria Rilke

I know Memorial Day is a one time thing, but in my e-world a day can last for multiple human days. We'll see how long this holiday lasts, but more than likely it'll end by your Friday, if not before.

Day #2 belongs to Rainer Maria Rilke. I visited his gravesite--in Raron, Switzerland--once in autumn (early 90's) and once in winter (I'm guessing 5 to 7 years ago).


Autumn Shots:

Grave



Rilke's Self-Penned Epitaph:

Rose, oh reiner Widerspruch, Lust
Niemandes Schlaf zu sein unter soviel
Lidern.

Rose, oh pure contradiction, joy
of being No-one's sleep, under so
many lids
(translation by Stephen Mitchell)


Old Church in Raron (Rilke's stone faces the valley)


                                          

Rilke's Valley View




Winter Shots:

Grave



Muzot (down the road, near Sierre)




Since we're remembering Rilke, I'll throw in a picture of Duino Castle (near Trieste, Italy). I also went there on the first trip (early 90's). It was raining like crazy as I took the Rilke Path along the ragged Adriatic coast; could've swore I saw and heard a few dark angels. I could only get so close, because the castle was fenced off. I could be mistaken (my memory is fading) but I think at that time it was some sort of school. I escaped the rain by ducking into a small grotto or niche. A young boy, who said he attended the school, was also seeking shelter there. Or have I made it all up? Twisted it for story's sake?

Anyway, a quick google suggests the park has been reopened to the public since 2003.

Duino Castle









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