Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov’s poem "Six Variations" is a multifaceted exploration of sound, interaction, and perception. Through six distinct sections, Levertov examines different aspects of human experience, using music, nature, and personal relationships as her thematic tools. Each variation presents a unique perspective, weaving together a rich tapestry of imagery and meaning.

I

The first variation introduces us to an intimate, almost anecdotal scene: "We have been shown how Basket drank— / and old man Volpe the cobbler made up what words he didn't know so that his own son, even, laughed at him: but with respect." Here, Levertov highlights the human tendency to improvise and adapt, as well as the respect that can underlie familial interactions. The cobbler’s creativity in language, despite its imperfections, is met with affection and honor by his son, suggesting a deep bond that transcends conventional understanding.

II

The second variation shifts to a more musical and harmonious image: "Two flutes! How close to each other they move in mazing figures, never touching, never breaking the measure." The flutes symbolize two entities—perhaps people—moving in synchrony without ever colliding, much like "gnats dance in summer haze all afternoon, over shallow water sprinkled with mottled blades of willow." This imagery evokes a sense of delicate balance and harmony, a dance of intimacy that maintains individuality.

III

In the third variation, the poem focuses on a simple, natural act: "Shlup, shlup; the dog as it laps up water makes intelligent music, resting now and then to take breath in irregular measure." The dog’s rhythmic drinking becomes a form of music, highlighting the beauty in mundane, everyday actions. The irregular pauses for breath add a layer of unpredictability and natural rhythm, suggesting that even the simplest acts can have a musical, almost poetic quality.

IV

The fourth variation delves into a darker, more introspective tone: "When I can't / strike one spark from you, when you don't look me in the eye...time / for a lagging leaden pace, a short sullen line, measure / of heavy heart and cold eye." This section captures the heaviness of emotional disconnection and the struggle to communicate. The imagery of a "cellar with dirty windows" and "bodies...heavy furniture coated with dust" conveys a sense of stagnation and desolation, emphasizing the difficulty of overcoming such emotional barriers.

V

The fifth variation contrasts the previous one with a burst of vibrant imagery: "The quick of the sun that gilds broken pebbles in sidewalk cement and the iridescent / spit, that defiles and adorns!" Levertov finds beauty in the ordinary and even the defiled. The sun's light, indiscriminate and joyous, transforms the mundane into something dazzling. This celebration of light and color highlights the potential for beauty and joy in the most unexpected places.

VI

The final variation returns to a reflective and contemplative tone: "Lap up the vowels of sorrow, / transparent, cold / water-darkness welling up from the white sand." Here, sorrow is likened to water, something to be absorbed and experienced fully. The act of honing a scythe "to cut swathes of light sound in the mind" suggests a process of refinement and clarity. The closing lines, "Through the hollow globe, a ring of frayed rusty scrap-iron, is it the sea that shines? / Is it a road at the world's edge?" pose questions about perception and the nature of reality, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and mystery.

"Six Variations" by Denise Levertov is a rich, multifaceted poem that explores the interplay of sound, perception, and emotional experience. Through its six distinct sections, the poem invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human interaction, the beauty in everyday moments, and the profound depths of sorrow and joy. Levertov’s skillful use of imagery and metaphor creates a tapestry of meaning that resonates on both personal and universal levels.

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