Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov’s poem "Stepping Westward" is a contemplative reflection on identity, transformation, and acceptance. Through rich and evocative imagery, Levertov explores the nuances of womanhood, constancy, and the evolving nature of self. The poem speaks to the harmony found in embracing one's inherent qualities and the cyclical rhythms of life.

The poem begins with an introspective observation: "What is green in me / darkens, muscadine." This opening line suggests a maturation or deepening of the speaker’s inner qualities, likening them to muscadine grapes, which darken and ripen with time. The green, often associated with youth and potential, transitions into a richer, more complex state.

Levertov then addresses the concept of constancy in women: "If woman is inconstant, / good, I am faithful to / ebb and flow, I fall / in season and now / is a time of ripening." Here, the speaker embraces the natural fluctuations and changes inherent in life. The ebb and flow symbolize adaptability and the acceptance of natural cycles, aligning with the idea that constancy can be found in embracing change and growth.

The poem continues with the contrast of steadfastness: "If her part / is to be true, / a north star, / good, I hold steady / in the black sky / and vanish by day, / yet burn there / in blue or above / quilts of cloud." The north star represents a fixed point, a guiding light. The speaker identifies with this steadfastness, enduring and reliable, yet acknowledges the different forms this constancy takes—visible at night, but present even when unseen during the day.

Levertov then delves into the pleasure of self-acceptance: "There is no savor / more sweet, more salt / than to be glad to be / what, woman, / and who, myself, / I am." This celebration of identity, both as a woman and as an individual, is central to the poem. The flavors of "sweet" and "salt" suggest a full appreciation of the complexities and contrasts within oneself, embracing both joy and challenge.

The speaker further explores the metaphor of a shadow: "a shadow / that grows longer as the sun / moves, drawn out / on a thread of wonder." This imagery captures the idea of life's journey, where the self extends and evolves over time, marked by curiosity and a sense of wonder. The shadow, lengthening with the sun's movement, symbolizes growth and the passage of time.

The final lines bring a sense of resolution and acceptance of life's burdens: "If I bear burdens / they begin to be remembered / as gifts, goods, a basket / of bread that hurts / my shoulders but closes me / in fragrance. I can / eat as I go." The burdens, initially perceived as heavy and painful, are reinterpreted as gifts—essential sustenance carried with effort but also with gratitude. The "basket of bread" metaphor underscores the idea of nourishment and the ability to sustain oneself through life's challenges, finding beauty and fragrance in the struggle.

"Stepping Westward" is a rich meditation on the evolving nature of identity and the acceptance of one's intrinsic qualities. Levertov’s use of natural imagery and metaphors highlights the beauty found in both constancy and change, encouraging a harmonious embrace of the self and the cycles of life. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own journeys, finding strength and sweetness in the acceptance of who they are and the burdens they bear.

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