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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

THAT DAY, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Denise Levertov’s poem "That Day" is a vivid recollection of a moment of awe and wonder experienced with her mother in Switzerland. Through her use of rich imagery and a reflective tone, Levertov captures the interplay between memory, art, and the natural world, evoking a sense of enchantment and spiritual revelation.

The poem opens with a setting from fifty years ago, "Across a lake in Switzerland," grounding the reader in a specific time and place. The imagery of light as a dynamic force, "jousting with long lances, fencing with broadswords," creates a dramatic and almost mythical scene. This battle of light among the "cloudy peaks and foothills" sets the stage for the extraordinary event that follows.

Levertov and her mother are "enthralled" as they watch from a small pavilion, indicating a shared sense of wonder and engagement with the spectacle before them. The use of "enthralled" suggests that they are completely captivated, their attention wholly absorbed by the natural display.

The poem takes a transformative turn with the appearance of "a shaft, a column, / a defined body, not of light but of silver rain." This column of rain is personified as it "formed and set out from the distant shore," advancing steadily toward them. The precision of this movement contrasts with the previously chaotic dance of light, marking the rain’s approach as something deliberate and significant.

Levertov’s reference to William Blake’s "The Spirit of God Moving Upon the Face of the Waters" introduces a layer of spiritual and artistic resonance. This moment of recognition—seeing in reality what she had previously encountered in Blake’s vision—bridges the gap between art and experience, suggesting a deeper, almost mystical understanding of the event.

As the column of rain continues its approach, it creates a path across the lake: "on each side of it, / there was no rain." This separation emphasizes the singularity and focus of the phenomenon, enhancing its miraculous quality. Levertov and her mother rise to their feet, "breathless," a physical reaction that underscores their anticipation and the intensity of the moment.

The culmination of the poem is the rain’s arrival: "it reached us, took us / into its veil of silver, wrapped us / in finest weave of wet." This description conveys a sense of being enveloped and transformed by the rain. The "finest weave of wet" suggests a delicate, almost ethereal embrace, highlighting the beauty and intimacy of the experience.

The poem concludes with a burst of joy and astonishment: "and we laughed for joy, astonished." This spontaneous reaction encapsulates the pure, unfiltered emotion of the moment, celebrating the unexpected and wondrous encounter with nature. The shared laughter and astonishment between Levertov and her mother add a personal and relational dimension to the experience, emphasizing the bond created by this extraordinary event.

"That Day" is a testament to the power of nature to inspire awe and the profound connections that can arise from such moments. Through her evocative language and reflective tone, Levertov invites readers to share in her memory, to feel the enchantment of the silver rain and the joy of witnessing something truly remarkable. The poem serves as a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the world and the lasting impact of shared experiences with loved ones.


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