Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov’s poem "Illustrious Ancestors" intricately explores the legacy of wisdom and the profound simplicity of understanding through a reflection on two ancestral figures. The poem opens with a reference to "The Rav / of Northern White Russia," an individual who, in his youth, deliberately chose not to learn the "language of birds" because he was not interested in what he considered extraneous. This decision suggests a focus on what he deemed essential, but despite this initial dismissal, the Rav eventually came to understand the birds' language through deep, attentive listening and a life of profound engagement with his surroundings. This revelation underscores the idea that true understanding comes not from explicit study but from a genuine, immersive connection with one’s environment.

Levertov continues by describing how the Rav "prayed / with the bench and the floor," an image that emphasizes his grounded and humble approach to spirituality. This phrase suggests a form of prayer deeply connected to the physical and the mundane, implying that sacredness can be found in everyday objects and actions. The Rav’s use of what was at hand highlights a resourcefulness and an ability to find depth and meaning in the immediate and tangible aspects of life.

The poem then transitions to Angel Jones of Mold, another figure who embodied a similar approach. Jones’s "meditations / were sewn into coats and britches," indicating that his spiritual and intellectual efforts were integrated into his daily work. This metaphor of sewing meditation into clothing suggests a seamless blend of the practical and the spiritual, where profound thought and contemplation become part of the fabric of everyday life. Both the Rav and Jones exemplify a wisdom that is deeply rooted in the ordinary and the accessible.

Levertov expresses a desire to create poetry that maintains a connection to these ancestors, envisioning "some line still taut between me and them." This line represents a continuous thread of wisdom and inspiration that links her to these illustrious figures. She aspires to craft poems that are "direct as what the birds said, / hard as a floor, sound as a bench," aiming for a straightforwardness and solidity that resonate with the simplicity and authenticity of her ancestors' understanding.

The final lines of the poem evoke a sense of mystery and pause, as Levertov compares her desired poetic creation to "the silence when the tailor / would pause with his needle in the air." This image captures a moment of stillness and contemplation, suggesting that within the act of creation, whether it is tailoring or poetry, there exists a profound silence that holds its own form of wisdom and insight. The pause before the needle continues its work is a metaphor for the reflective and meditative aspect of the creative process.

Structurally, the poem is free verse, which allows for a natural and unforced progression of thought. The lack of strict rhyme or meter reflects the poem's emphasis on authenticity and directness, mirroring the straightforward wisdom of the ancestors it describes. The enjambment throughout the poem creates a flowing, conversational tone, reinforcing the sense of an intimate and personal reflection.

Levertov’s use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the poem’s themes. The specific details of "the bench and the floor" and "coats and britches" ground the poem in tangible reality, making the abstract concepts of wisdom and understanding more concrete and relatable. The imagery of the tailor pausing with his needle evokes a vivid sense of stillness and contemplation, adding depth to the poem’s exploration of the creative process.

In conclusion, "Illustrious Ancestors" by Denise Levertov is a profound meditation on the nature of wisdom and the legacy of understanding passed down through generations. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflection, Levertov honors the simplicity and depth of her ancestors' approach to life, aspiring to create poetry that embodies the same directness, solidity, and mystery. The poem celebrates the idea that true wisdom is often found in the ordinary and the immediate, and that the most profound insights come from a deep, attentive engagement with the world around us.

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