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from
Metamorphosis of the Plant
J W
Goethe
1.
All of the forms have a
likeness yet none quite
resembles another.
Thus is a
hidden law revealed from a
view of the whole.
Closely
observe how the plant little
by little progressing
Step by
step guided on changes to
blossom and fruit.
2.
First from the seed it unravels
itself as soon as the
silent
Fruit
bearing womb of the earth
gives way to let it emerge;
And, to
the weave of the light’s
eternal varying motion
Offers
the delicate leaves that the
plant now begins to unfold.
See, how
the root leaf and seed
still void of colour and shapeless
Upwards
seek now to strive trusting
mild vaporous air.
3.
Yet ever simple remains the first
form once it’s
engendered
Soon a new
leaf surges forth arising as
out of the last.
Spiralling
node upon node all repeat
the original pattern
Yet are
not wholly alike; each
following leaf that emerges
Generates
always anew and appears in
more intricate form.
Longer,
indented in points and, in
its parts more divided.
4.
Nature proceeds now to reign
and subdues her expansive
array,
Seeking
for gentler refinements and
growth to more perfect an end
Soon the
sprouting of leaf upon leaf
is checked and contracted
So that
the rib of the stalk becomes
all the fuller in form.
Ranged in
a circle, in numbers that
first appear few and then countless
Gather
the smaller-sized leaves
close to the sides of their like.
Round the
new axis compressed the
sheltering calyx arises;
And as to
fashion the crown
brilliant-hued coronets form.
See how
the many hued leaf has felt
its creator’s own hand?
5. Figures
are swift to appear now the
tenderest yet to emerge
Twofold
at first they unite as
destined ones meeting to ripen
Lovingly
stand they in beautiful
pairs and bounteous
union,
Gathered
in countless array there
where the altar is raised.
6. Presently
paralleled out are
numberless seeds to be swelling
Sweetly
concealed in the womb where
is made perfect the fruit
Thus in a
circle does nature enclose
the ring of her forces
Now shall
a new plant come forth to
follow the one gone before.
Translated by
Katherine Rudolph | 