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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

MATINS: 3, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Denise Levertov’s poem "Matins: 3" is a contemplative exploration of the emergence of a new day and the poet’s role in capturing and breaking open the authentic and the real. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, Levertov delves into the interplay between creation, discovery, and the necessity of engaging with the world to derive nourishment and inspiration.

The poem opens with the rise of the new day: "The new day rises as heat rises knocking in the pipes." This imagery suggests a parallel between the natural phenomenon of daybreak and the physical sounds within a home. The "knocking in the pipes" indicates the presence of life and movement, echoing the onset of morning activity. The use of "heat" rising aligns with the warmth and energy associated with the start of a new day, hinting at the potential and vitality that each day brings.

Levertov then personifies the day, suggesting it claims its own rhythms: "with rhythms it seizes for its own to speak of its invention." This line implies that the new day has a unique, inherent creativity and dynamic energy, almost as if it is a conscious being that generates its own patterns and expressions. The phrase "to speak of its invention" suggests that each day brings forth new possibilities and creations, reinforcing the theme of renewal and originality.

The poem introduces a powerful metaphor with "the real, the new-laid egg / whose speckled shell the poet fondles and must break if he will be nourished." Here, the "new-laid egg" symbolizes the fresh, untapped potential and authenticity that each day offers. The speckled shell represents the unique and intricate exterior that must be engaged with and understood. The poet’s act of fondling the egg signifies a careful and appreciative examination of this new reality. However, to truly benefit from it, the poet must break the shell, which indicates an active engagement and sometimes a disruption of the surface to access the deeper, nourishing truths within.

This metaphor aligns with the creative process, suggesting that poetry, and perhaps all forms of genuine creation, require an initial appreciation followed by a deeper penetration to uncover and assimilate the essence of what is real and true. The poet's nourishment, both literal and figurative, depends on this active engagement with the world, breaking through superficial appearances to reach the substance that sustains and inspires.

Levertov’s use of free verse in this poem allows for a fluid and organic expression of these ideas. The structure is loose and conversational, reflecting the natural progression of thought and the unfolding of the new day. The imagery is rich and evocative, creating a vivid sense of the morning's arrival and the poet's interaction with the world.

"Matins: 3" is a reflection on the newness and authenticity that each day brings and the necessity for the poet, and by extension all individuals, to engage deeply with these offerings to be truly nourished. Through her use of metaphor and personification, Levertov emphasizes the importance of not merely observing but actively participating in the discovery and creation of meaning. The poem celebrates the potential inherent in each day and the transformative power of engaging with the real, urging a mindful and intentional approach to both life and art.


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