Poems by Wang Wei and Rainer Maria Rilke

The highest peak scrapes the sky blue ;
It extends from hills to the sea.
When I look back , clouds shut the view ;
When I come near , no mist I see.
Peaks vary in north and south side ;
Vales differ in sunshine or shade.
Seeking a lodge where to abide ,
I ask a woodman when I wade.

From "Mount Eternal South," by Wang Wei

Silent friend of many distances, feel
how space dilates with each breath of yours.
Among the rafters of dark belfries peal
your own sweet tones. Your predators 

will grow strong upon such fare.
Know transformation in its varied sign.
Which experience produces most despair?
If drinking offend, transform yourself to wine. 

Be, in this immensity of night,
the magic force at your sense’s crossroad;
the purpose of their mysterious plan. 

And though you fade from earthly sight,
declare to the silent earth: I flow.
To the rushing water say: I am.

From "Sonnets to Orpheus," Book II, No. 29, by Rainer Maria Rilke

Xia Yu does a fine job of dramatizing the poems, but Keanu Reeves may simply be unaccustomed to poetry readings.  Chang Jing adds sweet music to the readings via a string instrument.  This staging is part of what I envision with Poetry in Multimedia:  cross art collaboration, using different media.  

Here is Rilke's sonnet in German:  

Stiller Freund der vielen Fernen, fühle,
wie dein Atem noch den Raum vermehrt.
Im Gebälk der finstern Glockenstühle
laß dich läuten. Das, was an dir zehrt, 

wird ein Starkes über dieser Nahrung.
Geh in der Verwandlung aus und ein.
Was ist deine leidenste Erfahrung?
Ist dir Trinken bitter, werde Wein. 

Sei in dieser Nacht aus Übermaß
Zauberkraft am Kreuzweg deiner Sinne,
ihrer seltsamen Begegnung Sinn. 

Und wenn dich das Irdische vergaß,
zu der stillen Erde sag: Ich rinne.
Zu dem raschen Wasser sprich: Ich bin.

Plus Howard Landman's translation:

Still friend of many distances, feel how
your breath increases space even now.
In the timber-frames of shadowy bell towers
let yourself ring. That which saps your powers 

grows ever stronger from this sustenance.
Through transformation, cross the borderline.
What's your most sorrowful experience?
If drinking you is bitter, turn to wine. 

Be, in this night of extravagances,
magics at the crossroads of your senses,
the sense they oddly all cohere. 

And when the world no longer knows
you, to the still earth say: I flow.
To the rushing water speak: I'm here.

Reference:  Sonnets to Orpheus II, 29.