And even if you found yourself in some prison, whose walls let in none of the world’s sounds – wouldn’t you still have your childhood, that jewel beyond all price, that treasure house of memories? Turn your attentions to it. If your everyday life seems poor, don’t blame it blame yourself admit to yourself that you are not enough of a poet to call forth its riches because for the creator there is not poverty and no poor, indifferent place. Describe your sorrows and desires, the thoughts that pass through your mind and your belief in some kind of beauty - describe all these with heartfelt, silent, humble sincerity and, when you express yourself, use the Things around you, the images from your dreams, and the objects that you remember. Then, as if no one had ever tried before, try to say what you see and feel and love and lose. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple “I must,” then build your life in accordance with this necessity your whole life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse.

This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. Find out the reason that commands you to write see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. and don't expect any understanding but believe in a love that is being stored up for you like an inheritance, and have faith that in this love there is a strength and a blessing so large that you can travel as far as you wish without having to step outside it.” Seek out some simple and true feeling of what you have in common with them, which doesn't necessarily have to alter when you yourself change again and again when you see them, love life in a form that is not your own and be indulgent toward those who are growing old, who are afraid of the aloneness that you trust. be happy about your growth, in which of course you can't take anyone with you, and be gentle with those who stay behind be confident and calm in front of them and don't torment them with your doubts and don't frighten them with your faith or joy, which they wouldn't be able to comprehend. and this shows that the space around you is beginning to grow vast. “Therefore, dear Sir, love your solitude and try to sing out with the pain it causes you.

Rilke letter 8