Steven Cramer, a distinguished poet and essayist, presents a captivating collection of poems in his seventh book. He embarks on the challenging task of modernizing the essence of Rainer Maria Rilke’s early masterpieces, New Poems (1907) and New Poems: The Other Part (1908), into English. Rilke, the renowned Austrian poet known for his unique and mystical verse, wrote in German, a language that often creates words by piling adjectives onto nouns. While this linguistic style adds a magical quality to the original works, it poses difficulties in translating elegantly into English.
Cramer describes his “departures” as retaining a resemblance to Rilke’s originals while sometimes diverging significantly from Rilke’s foundational ideas. By drawing on various translations and tools like Google Translate, Cramer brings Rilke’s poetry into the contemporary era, capturing a blend of modernity and the enchanting ethereal and physical elements found in Rilke’s writing.
The collection delves into themes of aging, death, and what lies beyond. The first poem, “The Prodigal Son,” which touches on biblical themes, initiates a journey that oscillates between desolation and unexpected invitations. It sets the tone for a rollercoaster of imagery and emotions that keep the reader uncertain yet engaged.
The modern concerns addressed in Cramer’s poems resonate with contemporary issues. “The Alchemist” explores our dependency on science to bring about transformation, while “Immigrant Family” probes our attitudes towards immigrants, posing thought-provoking questions.
Death is a recurring motif in the collection, as seen in poems like “Olive Country,” which references Jesus’ plea in Gethsemane and echoes Rilke’s iconic Duino Elegies. The poems draw parallels between human existence and the fates of other creatures, illustrating the inevitable march towards death.
The poems traverse various time periods, from biblical times to present-day reflections, navigating through themes of loss, love, and family ties. Each piece unfurls layers of meaning that demand introspection and contemplation from the reader.
Despite the prevalent themes of mortality and decay, there are glimpses of hope and resilience scattered throughout the collection. “Electric Guitar” celebrates the vibrant energy of love, while poems like “Lullaby” and “Charlotte Reading, 2005” provide poignant reflections on familial bonds and the passage of time.
These evocative poems, rich in allusions and complexities, invite readers to revisit them multiple times to unravel their depths. Cramer’s afterword sheds light on the creative process behind the collection, enhancing the appreciation for the audacious endeavor of reimagining Rilke’s works. Engaging and thought-provoking, this collection is a must-read for those who appreciate poetry that challenges and captivates the imagination.
