Labyrinth - Angel Statue

I wish I could find the original quote in German... this is a mere translation-on-translation. I found it in one of my favouriate graphic novel series, The Children of the Salamander, originally in French, scenario by Jean Dufaux, artwork by Renaud.

I doubt it got ever translated into English, much to the loss of the English speaking world. The same goes for the majority of French graphic novels, that would be of much interest of any comic reader interested in for instance DC Vertigo comics, or independent work. Anyway, the graphic novel was translated into Dutch, my copy. Rilke, though,was a German poet. So, my hunch is that when I write it down, it is my translation into English, based on a Dutch translation of a French graphic novel, that quoted a German poet. Unforgiveable and crude, if I would have the original, but not even extensive surfing have found this particular quote. If you are familiar with its original German counterpart, please send it to me... I'm sure Rilke was meant to be read in German anyway. Try his elegies, if you want. These ones are in German. Though I found a few of them translated in English as well.

Don't ask why it means so much to me, because like the graphic novel, it is unexplainable. Part of it must be felt, and it needs to touch upon association, not necessarily the conscious mind anyway.

I don't believe in angels anymore as a part of religion, but they retain their fascination as a part of western culture, as a symbol. I see the same fascination in the works of Neil Gaiman (no, I'm not going to include a link. There's just too much on this guy on the WEB to include here), for instance. Some horror and fantasy calls back the fascination for the dualism between good and evil, heaven and hell, and the angels are there, fallen or not. Which reminds me of one of Storm Constantine's latest novels Stalking Tender Prey, a more than interesting work on fallen angels.

In the night, I wish to speak with the angel
to find out if he recognizes my eyes
If he will ask me: do you see Eden?
And I'll reply: Eden burns

I offer my lips to him, so cold,
as if he does not know desire
and the angel asks: do you feel life?
And I'll reply: life hurts

Rilke

The angel statue marks another fork in the road. To the left, the road passes under a marble arch into a garden. To the right, it heads for a sunlit meadow.