Describe symbolism in The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke by Rainer Maria Rilke

In reality, these poems pay homage to the animals that are the subjects. The animals serve as metaphors- the panther as a symbol of natural power and the predatory instinct, but this animal is all locked up in a zoo cage. The gazelle is a graceful herd vegetarian, not bright but beautiful, relatively gentle and rather innocent. The swan - beautiful, large, powerful is a special water fowl, not so much when contrasted to the panther but it can escape such an animal. The swan is also used a symbol of fidelity because swans mate for life making them a perfect symbol of "marriage."