Poems on Love Summary

Mood introduces the section dedicated to Rilke's poems on love by talking about how deeply sensual Rilke's symbolism is. Even when he is describing spiritual things, sensuality is the language he speaks. He observes that comment about his sensuality is missing from many assessments of Rilke, and so Mood chooses his poems based on their ability to redress that balance, and demonstrate the intense sexuality of Rilke's poetry. He also describes the balance Rilke strikes between the masculine and feminine tone, using both passion and gentleness in his voice. Rilke so masterfully communicates this beautiful and balanced view of love that Mood is surprised that the poet had not been more successful in his own love relationships. He wanted, as in every subject, for art and life to connect, and to transform one another. Mood concludes by prefacing the...