Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "In Question" delicately explores the transient beauty of nature and the fleeting certainties of life. The poem’s rich imagery and introspective tone invite readers to reflect on the ephemeral moments that define our experiences and the inevitable changes that challenge our assumptions.

The poem opens with a description of a sunset imbued with subtle and nuanced colors: "A sunset of such aqueous hints, subdued opaline gleamings, so much grey among its wan folds, fading tangerine roses." This imagery captures a moment of natural beauty that is both delicate and complex, characterized by its mixture of vibrant and muted tones. The use of "aqueous hints" and "subdued opaline gleamings" suggests a fluid, almost ethereal quality, emphasizing the transient nature of the scene.

Levertov then introduces a scene of symbiosis between an elder tree and a wild rose: "and in a rosetree—not a rosetree, a young tree of some other species which has become the noble support, patient, perhaps eager, of a capricious Gloire de Dijon." This relationship between the tree and the rose signifies a harmonious coexistence, where one supports the other. The description of the rose as "capricious" adds a sense of unpredictability, contrasting with the "noble support" provided by the tree.

The poem continues with the observation of the "evening wind... pulsing," and the sound of a saxophone playing nearby, "slowly wistful without being strictly sad." The pulsing wind and the wistful music create an atmosphere of gentle melancholy, adding to the introspective mood of the poem. The saxophone’s music, described as "wistful," evokes a sense of longing and contemplation, reinforcing the themes of impermanence and reflection.

Levertov then shifts to a personal reflection: "For the first time, the certainty of return to this imprinted scene, unchanging but for the height of green thicket, rising year by year beyond the cobwebbed windowpanes, can not be assumed." This moment of realization marks a departure from the earlier certainty and familiarity associated with the scene. The "certainty of return" is now questioned, acknowledging the possibility that change may alter this familiar landscape. The reference to the "cobwebbed windowpanes" suggests a passage of time and a sense of neglect or abandonment, further emphasizing the theme of change and uncertainty.

"In Question" captures the delicate balance between beauty and transience, harmony and unpredictability. Through vivid imagery and reflective language, Denise Levertov invites readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of life’s moments and the shifting certainties that shape our understanding of the world. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of our experiences and the importance of cherishing the beauty that surrounds us, even as it changes and evolves.

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