At first a childhood, unlimited and free
of any goals. Ah sweet unconsciousness.
Then sudden terror, classrooms, slavery,
the descent into temptation and abysmal loss.

Defiance. The child bent becomes the one who bends,
inflicts on others what once he endured.
Loved, feared, rescuer, wrestler, victor,
he takes his revenge, blow by blow.

And now in the vast, icy void, alone.
But hidden deep within that adult heart,
a longing for the original world, the ancient one ...

Then, from His place of ambush, God leapt out.

-Ranier Maria Rilke
"Imaginary Career"