The Book of Hours I, 1

I live my life in widening circles That reach out across the world. I may not complete this last one But I give myself to it.

I circle around God, around the ancient tower, And I’ve been circling for thousands of years. And I still don’t know: am I a stranger, Or am I returning home?

I circle around the sacred tower, The tower of my heart, And the roundness of my life. I am surrounded, yet so alone.

With every turning, the spiral tightens. And I can see the moon get larger, And the clouds fall softly, While wildflowers bloom in the distance.

• Rainer Maria Rilke