In his book, Letters to a Young Poet, German poet Rainer Maria Rilke, advised the poet, “Ask yourself in the stillest hour of your night: Must I write? (If yes) Then build your life according to this necessity. Your life, even into its most indifferent and slightest hour must be a sign of this urge and a testimony to it.”
Rilke’s birthday was December 4. His middle name is Maria because his mother wanted a daughter, not a son,a nd used to make him wear dresses.
Rilke believed that poetic inspiration and creativity could spring from the most commonplace events, a man digging in the garden, a woman paring apples, the growl of a dog, etc. He called these occasions, “Confederates of inspiration.” Others have called them poetic epiphanies or creative insights.
Rilke added, “If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it. Blame yourself, tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches.”
Yeah, sure. It is so cold today my %##*@**?&^ car won’t start. Is that enough?
