Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "Ancient Tree" is a meditative poem that intertwines natural imagery with reflections on memory, persistence, and the passage of time. The poem draws the reader into an intimate relationship with a tree, symbolizing resilience, choices, and the enduring presence of the past within us.

The poem begins with a playful, almost obsessive note: "*Can't get that tune out of my head, / can't get that tree out of / some place in me." This opening suggests a persistent memory or feeling that remains embedded within the speaker, much like a catchy tune that lingers long after it is first heard. The tree, therefore, is not just a physical entity but a symbol deeply rooted in the speaker’s consciousness.

Levertov describes the tree with reverence and affection, noting "the way it lifts up its arms, opens them, and- / patient the way an elderly horse is patient-crosses them, aloft, / to curve and recross." This imagery anthropomorphizes the tree, giving it human-like qualities of patience and grace. The comparison to an elderly horse adds a layer of dignity and enduring strength, suggesting a quiet resilience and wisdom accumulated over time.

The poem then delves into the symbolism of the tree’s branches: "the standing, the being rooted, the look as of longing. / At each divide, the choice endured, branches taking their roads in air." Here, the tree represents steadfastness and the inevitability of choices that shape one’s path. Each branch, with its own direction, symbolizes the different roads taken in life, each decision contributing to the overall structure and beauty of the tree.

The speaker’s intimate connection with the tree is highlighted by a simple, everyday action: "Glance up / from the kitchen window; that tree word, still being said, over the stone wall." This line captures a moment of reflection and connection, where the tree serves as a constant presence, a living word that continues to communicate and resonate with the speaker.

Levertov’s description of the tree in different seasons adds a temporal dimension to the poem: "Fall mornings, its head of twigs vaguely lifted, a few apples yellow in silver fog." The imagery of fall mornings with the tree’s branches "vaguely lifted" and "a few apples yellow in silver fog" evokes a sense of quiet beauty and the passage of time. The "silver fog" suggests a dreamlike quality, emphasizing the ethereal and enduring nature of the tree’s presence.

In conclusion, "Ancient Tree" by Denise Levertov is a contemplative poem that explores themes of memory, resilience, and the passage of time through the metaphor of a tree. The poem invites readers to reflect on the persistent and enduring elements in their own lives, the choices that shape their paths, and the quiet strength found in steadfastness. Through vivid imagery and intimate reflections, Levertov captures the deep, almost spiritual connection between the speaker and the natural world, suggesting that certain memories and symbols remain rooted within us, continually shaping our perceptions and experiences.

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