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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Denise Levertov's "Come into Animal Presence" is a contemplative and evocative poem that explores the serene and instinctual existence of animals, contrasting it with the often convoluted and self-conscious nature of human beings. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Levertov invites readers to appreciate the unblemished purity and inherent dignity of animals, suggesting that reconnecting with this presence can restore a sense of holiness and joy. The poem begins with an imperative: "Come into animal presence." This invitation sets the stage for a journey into a world where animals embody a purity and simplicity that humans often lack. The assertion that "No man is so guileless as the serpent" immediately establishes animals as beings free from deceit and guile, a theme that runs throughout the poem. Levertov introduces a series of animals, each described with striking imagery. The "lonely white rabbit on the roof is a star / twitching its ears at the rain." Here, the rabbit is likened to a celestial body, emphasizing its otherworldly innocence and the quiet attentiveness with which it engages with its environment. The rabbit's solitude and the subtle interaction with the rain create a sense of tranquil introspection. The llama is portrayed as "intricately / folding its hind legs to be seated," an image that highlights its grace and self-sufficiency. The llama's mild disregard for human approval underscores its inherent dignity and the autonomy with which it exists. Unlike humans, who often seek validation from others, the llama remains content within itself. Levertov then captures the joy elicited by the armadillo's nonchalant behavior: "What joy when the insouciant armadillo / glances at us and doesn't quicken his trotting / across the track into the palm brush." The armadillo's indifference to human presence and its focused pursuit of its own path epitomize the natural confidence and purposefulness of animals. This "joy" stems from witnessing a creature that "knows what it must do" without hesitation or doubt. The poem delves deeper into the essence of this joy: "That no animal falters, but knows what it must do? / That the snake has no blemish, that the rabbit inspects his strange surroundings in white star-silence?" Levertov celebrates the unwavering certainty with which animals live their lives, free from the blemishes of self-doubt and moral ambiguity. The snake's perfection and the rabbit's silent observation further illustrate the untainted nature of animal existence. As the poem progresses, Levertov reflects on the concept of holiness: "Those who were sacred have remained so, holiness does not dissolve, it is a presence of bronze, only the sight that saw it faltered and turned from it." This line suggests that the sacredness of the natural world endures, even if humans have lost their ability to perceive it. The metaphor of holiness as a "presence of bronze" conveys its enduring and immutable quality, contrasting with the human tendency to turn away and falter in recognizing it. The poem concludes with a sense of renewal: "An old joy returns in holy presence." By immersing oneself in the presence of animals and the natural world, one can recapture a sense of primordial joy and holiness. Levertov's poem thus becomes a call to reconnect with the instinctual and sacred aspects of existence, finding solace and inspiration in the unadulterated presence of animals. "Come into Animal Presence" by Denise Levertov is a meditation on the purity, dignity, and instinctual wisdom of animals. Through its vivid imagery and reflective tone, the poem invites readers to appreciate the simple yet profound presence of animals, suggesting that such a connection can restore a sense of joy and sacredness in human life.
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