This immensely compact poem was to become the incription on the tombstone of its author. For an excellent interpretation, consult chapter 7 of
Rilke on Love and Other Difficulties by John J.L. Mood. But if you've gotten a copy of the book, you may as well just read the whole thing - it is brief enough and bursts with insight throughout.
Rose, oh reiner Widerspruch, Lust,
Niemandes Schlaf zu sein unter soviel
Lidern
Rose, oh pure contradiction, joy
of being No-one's sleep under so many
lids.
-
Rainer Maria Rilke