Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "Knowing the Unknown" captures the existential struggle and uncertainty inherent in venturing into new territories, both literal and metaphorical. Through the use of aviation imagery and reflective language, Levertov explores themes of displacement, belonging, and the unknown.

The poem opens with an acknowledgement of a universal condition: "Our trouble / is only the trouble anyone, all of us, thrust from the ancient holding-patterns, down toward runways newbuilt, knows." This line sets the stage by highlighting a collective human experience—the challenge of moving away from familiar, established ways ("ancient holding-patterns") towards uncharted paths ("runways newbuilt"). The word "thrust" suggests a forceful, perhaps unwelcome push into the unknown, emphasizing the disorientation and strain that accompanies such transitions.

Levertov uses the metaphor of flight to delve deeper into this theme. The "strain / of flying wing by wing, not knowing ever if both of us will land" evokes the precariousness and reliance on partnership in navigating new experiences. The image of flying "wing by wing" underscores the idea of mutual support and the shared anxiety of uncertainty. The uncertainty of landing—whether both will make it safely—mirrors the broader human fear of the unknown and the outcomes of our ventures.

The poem then shifts focus to the planet below, "the planet under the clouds— / does it want us? Shall we be welcome, we of air, of metallic bitter rainbows, / of aching wings?" These questions highlight a profound sense of alienation and the search for acceptance. The "metallic bitter rainbows" likely refer to the sheen and artificiality of modern technology and human constructs, contrasting with the natural world below. The "aching wings" symbolize the exhaustion and weariness of those in flight, seeking a place to rest and belong.

Levertov continues to explore the tension between the airborne and the terrestrial with the line, "Can we dissolve like coins of hail, touching down, / down to the dense, preoccupied, / skeptical green world, that does not know us?" The comparison to "coins of hail" suggests a transient and ephemeral presence, hinting at the possibility of integration or disappearance upon landing. The "dense, preoccupied, skeptical green world" portrays the earth as indifferent, busy, and perhaps suspicious of the newcomers. This imagery captures the challenge of finding acceptance and understanding in an environment that is fundamentally different and unaware of the newcomers' existence.

In conclusion, "Knowing the Unknown" by Denise Levertov is a poignant exploration of the human condition as it relates to change, uncertainty, and the quest for belonging. Through rich aviation metaphors and evocative language, Levertov captures the collective anxiety of venturing into new, unfamiliar realms and the hope for acceptance in an indifferent world. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of displacement and the universal search for a place where they are welcomed and understood.

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