Each thinks that she props up the other,
while resting wearily on her support;
and they can't make use of one another,
for they cause blood to rest on blood,

when as in the former times they softly touch
and try, along the tree-lined walks,
to feel themselves conducted and to lead;
ah, the ways they go are not the same.

~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Austrian lyric poet and novelist, Rainer Maria Rilke, is considered one of the greatest poets that worked in the German language.  Writing at the turn of the 20th century, Rilke was known as neither a traditional nor modern poet, but a transformative figure who produced some haunting images in his writing.

One of his most famous works is the collection of letters he wrote to a young poet, who was unsure of his path as a writer.  We recently discussed Letters to a Young Poet in greater depth.  To take a look at this inspirational post, click here.

Photo:  "Two Sisters", by 19th century French painter William Bouguereau.