Nietzsche's poetry
The Sceptic Speaks.
Your life is half-way o'er;
The clock-hand moves; your soul is thrilled with
fear,
It roamed to distant shore
And sought and found not, yet you--linger here!
Your life is half-way o'er;
That hour by hour was pain and error sheer:
Why stay? What seek you more?
"That's what I'm seeking--reasons why I'm here!"
______________________________________________
Ecce Homo
Yes, I know where I'm related,
Like the flame, unquenched, unsated,
I consume myself and glow:
All's turned to light I lay my hand on,
All to coal that I abandon,
Yes, I am a flame, I know!
_______________________________________________
Star Morality
Foredoomed to spaces vast and far,
What matters darkness to the star?
Roll calmly on, let time go by,
Let sorrows pass thee--nation's die!
Compassion would but dim the light
That distant worlds will gladly sight.
To thee one law--be pure and bright!
------------------------------------------
My Good Luck
Weary of Seeking had I grown,
So taught myself the way to Find:
Back by the storm I once was blown,
But follow now, where drives the wind.
---------------------------------------
Worldly Wisdom
Stay not on level plain,
Climb not the mount too high,
But half-way up remain--
The world you'll best descry!
________________________________________
To a Lover of Light
That eye and sense be not fordone
E'en in the shade pursue the sun!
_______________________________
Excelsior
"How shall I reach the top?" No time
For thus reflecting! Start to climb!
__________________________________
For Consideration
A twofold pain is easier far to bear
Than one: so now to suffer wilt thou dare?
___________________________________
A Cure for Pessimism
Those old capricious fancies, friend!
You say your palate naught can please,
I hear you bluster, spit and wheeze,
My love, my patience soon will end!
Pluck up your courage, follow me--
Here's a fat toad! Now then, don't blink,
Swallow it whole, nor pause to think!
From your dyspepsia you'll be free!
___________________________________-
The Wanderer
"Now longer path! Abyss and silence chillings!"
Thy fault! To leave and path thou wast too willing!
Now comes the test! Keep cool -- eyes bright and clear!
Thou'rt lost for sure, if thou permittest--fear.
___________________________________
The Realistic Painter
"To nature true, complete!" so he begins.
Who complete Nature to his canvas wins?
Her tiniest fragment's endless, no constraint
CAn know: he paints just what his fancy pins:
What does his fancy pin? What he can paint!
Your life is half-way o'er;
The clock-hand moves; your soul is thrilled with
fear,
It roamed to distant shore
And sought and found not, yet you--linger here!
Your life is half-way o'er;
That hour by hour was pain and error sheer:
Why stay? What seek you more?
"That's what I'm seeking--reasons why I'm here!"
______________________________________________
Ecce Homo
Yes, I know where I'm related,
Like the flame, unquenched, unsated,
I consume myself and glow:
All's turned to light I lay my hand on,
All to coal that I abandon,
Yes, I am a flame, I know!
_______________________________________________
Star Morality
Foredoomed to spaces vast and far,
What matters darkness to the star?
Roll calmly on, let time go by,
Let sorrows pass thee--nation's die!
Compassion would but dim the light
That distant worlds will gladly sight.
To thee one law--be pure and bright!
------------------------------------------
My Good Luck
Weary of Seeking had I grown,
So taught myself the way to Find:
Back by the storm I once was blown,
But follow now, where drives the wind.
---------------------------------------
Worldly Wisdom
Stay not on level plain,
Climb not the mount too high,
But half-way up remain--
The world you'll best descry!
________________________________________
To a Lover of Light
That eye and sense be not fordone
E'en in the shade pursue the sun!
_______________________________
Excelsior
"How shall I reach the top?" No time
For thus reflecting! Start to climb!
__________________________________
For Consideration
A twofold pain is easier far to bear
Than one: so now to suffer wilt thou dare?
___________________________________
A Cure for Pessimism
Those old capricious fancies, friend!
You say your palate naught can please,
I hear you bluster, spit and wheeze,
My love, my patience soon will end!
Pluck up your courage, follow me--
Here's a fat toad! Now then, don't blink,
Swallow it whole, nor pause to think!
From your dyspepsia you'll be free!
___________________________________-
The Wanderer
"Now longer path! Abyss and silence chillings!"
Thy fault! To leave and path thou wast too willing!
Now comes the test! Keep cool -- eyes bright and clear!
Thou'rt lost for sure, if thou permittest--fear.
___________________________________
The Realistic Painter
"To nature true, complete!" so he begins.
Who complete Nature to his canvas wins?
Her tiniest fragment's endless, no constraint
CAn know: he paints just what his fancy pins:
What does his fancy pin? What he can paint!