Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov’s poem "Sojourns in the Parallel World" contemplates the coexistence of human life with the natural world, highlighting the distinct yet overlapping realities that define our existence. Through reflective and evocative language, Levertov explores the moments when we escape our human preoccupations and briefly immerse ourselves in the pure, unburdened life of nature, experiencing a subtle but significant transformation.

The poem begins by contrasting the complexities of human life with the simplicity of the natural world: "We live our lives of human passions, / cruelties, dreams, concepts, / crimes and the exercise of virtue / in and beside a world devoid / of our preoccupations." This opening sets the stage for the exploration of two parallel worlds—one characterized by human concerns and the other by the unaffected existence of nature. The use of "in and beside" underscores the proximity and simultaneous separation between these worlds.

Levertov acknowledges that nature is "free / from apprehension—though affected, / certainly, by our actions." This line recognizes the impact of human activities on the natural world, even though nature itself remains indifferent to human anxieties. The poem suggests that nature exists in a state of purity and simplicity, unaffected by the emotional and moral complexities that define human life.

The notion of a "parallel" yet "overlapping" world is central to the poem’s theme. Levertov writes, "We call it 'Nature: only reluctantly / admitting ourselves to be 'Nature' too." This highlights the human tendency to view ourselves as separate from nature, despite being inherently part of it. The reluctance to acknowledge our connection to nature underscores a fundamental disconnection that the poem seeks to bridge.

The transformative moments occur when we "lose track of our own obsessions, / our self-concerns, because we drift for a minute, / an hour even, of pure (almost pure) / response to that insouciant life." These instances of drifting into nature’s realm are described as "pure" or "almost pure," suggesting a fleeting yet profound immersion in the natural world. Levertov captures the beauty and tranquility of these moments with imagery such as "cloud, bird, fox, the flow of light, the dancing / pilgrimage of water."

The poem vividly describes the sensory experiences of nature: "vast stillness / of spellbound ephemerae on a lit windowpane, / animal voices, mineral hum, wind / conversing with rain, ocean with rock, stuttering / of fire to coal." These descriptions evoke a sense of wonder and a deep connection to the elemental aspects of nature. The anthropomorphic description of wind "conversing with rain" and ocean "with rock" emphasizes the dynamic interactions within the natural world, which we briefly become part of.

Levertov then captures the freeing effect of these moments on the human spirit: "then something tethered / in us, hobbled like a donkey on its patch / of gnawed grass and thistles, breaks free." This metaphor of a donkey breaking free from its constraints symbolizes the liberation and renewal we experience when we connect with nature. It suggests that our immersion in the natural world allows us to shed the burdens of our human preoccupations, even if only temporarily.

The poem concludes with the recognition that these sojourns in the parallel world leave us changed: "No one discovers / just where we've been, when we're caught up again / into our own sphere... / —but we have changed, a little." This subtle transformation implies that our brief escapes into nature have a lasting impact, altering our perspective and perhaps bringing us closer to understanding our place within the natural world.

"Sojourns in the Parallel World" by Denise Levertov is a reflective meditation on the coexistence of human life and nature. Through her vivid imagery and contemplative tone, Levertov invites readers to experience the profound and transformative power of connecting with the natural world, reminding us of our inherent bond with nature and the importance of embracing this connection to enrich our lives.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...