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THE DISTANCE, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Denise Levertov's poem "The Distance" juxtaposes the experiences of anti-war protesters in the United States with those of people enduring war and suffering elsewhere, highlighting the contrasts in their struggles and the depths of their resilience. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Levertov examines the moral responsibilities of those who protest and the profound courage of those who endure the direct impacts of war.

The poem begins with a stark contrast: "While we lie in the road to block traffic from the air-force base, / over there the dead are strewn in the roads." This opening sets the stage for the parallel narratives that run throughout the poem. The act of lying in the road to block traffic, a form of peaceful protest, is contrasted with the brutal reality of bodies scattered in war-torn streets. The phrase "over there" creates a geographical and emotional distance, emphasizing the separation between the protesters' relatively safe actions and the harrowing experiences of those in war zones.

Levertov continues to draw contrasts between the protesters and those affected by war: "While we are carried to the bus and off to jail to be 'processed', / over there the torn-off legs and arms of the living hang in burnt trees and on broken walls." The benign process of being "processed" by law enforcement is starkly juxtaposed with the gruesome imagery of dismembered bodies. This comparison underscores the relative comfort and safety of the protesters' situation.

The poem moves into the experiences of imprisonment: "While we wait and sing in ugly but not uninhabitable cells / men and women contorted, blinded, in tiger cages, are biting their tongues / to stifle, for each other's sake, their cries of agony." Here, Levertov contrasts the protesters' temporary and relatively humane imprisonment with the horrific conditions of political prisoners. The tiger cages, a reference to the brutal confinement methods used during the Vietnam War, represent a level of suffering and solidarity that the protesters can scarcely imagine.

Levertov further contrasts the protesters' ability to refuse undesirable food with the hardships faced by freedom fighters: "While we refuse the standard prison liverwurst sandwiches, knowing we'll get decent food in a matter of hours, / over there free fighters, young and old, guns never laid aside, / eat a few grains of rice and remember / Uncle Ho, and the long years he ate no better, and smile." The mention of "Uncle Ho" (Ho Chi Minh) connects the present struggle to a historical context of enduring hardship and resilience. The simplicity and scarcity of the fighters' meals symbolize their steadfastness and commitment.

The poem also touches on the psychological and emotional burdens of those in war zones: "And while we fear / for the end of earth-life, even though we sing and rejoice in each other's beauty and comradeship, / over there they mourn / the dead and mutilated each has seen." The fear of nuclear annihilation among the protesters is contrasted with the immediate and personal grief of those who have witnessed atrocities firsthand. Despite these experiences, the war-affected people also find moments of beauty and camaraderie.

Levertov envisions the spirits of these resilient individuals: "I see their spirits visible, crowns of fire-thorn flicker over their heads." The "crowns of fire-thorn" symbolize their enduring courage and resilience, akin to a crown of thorns but infused with a fiery, transformative power.

The poem concludes with a self-reflective question: "Our steps toward struggle / are like the first tottering of infant feet. / Could we, / if life lasts, / find in ourselves / that steady courage, win such flame-crowns?" This introspective ending acknowledges the nascent stage of the protesters' struggle and questions whether they can cultivate the same level of courage and resilience as those enduring the direct impacts of war.

"The Distance" by Denise Levertov is a poignant reflection on the disparities between different forms of struggle and the moral imperative to recognize and honor the profound courage of those who endure the harshest realities of conflict. Through her vivid contrasts and evocative imagery, Levertov challenges readers to bridge the emotional and ethical distance between their own experiences and those of others facing unimaginable hardships.


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