Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "Looking Through" captures a moment of serene beauty and contemplation, focusing on the interplay between the tangible and the intangible, the real and the unreal. Through vivid imagery and a keen observation of the natural world, Levertov explores the ethereal quality of a mountain against a clear sky, creating a sense of wonder and introspection.

The poem begins with a description of the mountain as "White as cloud above a less-white band of cloud." This comparison immediately sets up the theme of blending and transparency, suggesting that the mountain, typically seen as solid and permanent, can appear as insubstantial as the clouds surrounding it. The mountain stands "clear on a sky of palest blue," emphasizing the clarity and purity of the scene. The absence of other clouds in the "sunny arch of summer's last holiday" adds to the sense of a unique, almost sacred moment, capturing the final days of summer.

Levertov's detailed observation continues with the description of the mountain's features: "And the mountain's deep clefts and hollows, the shadowy crevasses, are that same palest blue." This unusual depiction of the mountain's crevasses as the same color as the sky suggests a blending of elements, where the boundaries between solid and void, mountain and sky, become blurred. The use of "that same palest blue" reinforces the idea of continuity and transparency, as if the mountain itself is part of the sky.

The poet then delves deeper into this blending of elements: "as if snow and rock, / the whole great mass of mountain, were transparent and one could look through at more sky southward." This metaphor of transparency transforms the mountain into something almost mystical, a gateway through which one can see more of the infinite sky. The notion that one could "look through" the mountain suggests a deeper level of perception, where the material world becomes a window to the infinite and the sublime.

The concluding lines, "Luminous mountain, real, unreal sky," encapsulate the poem's central theme. The mountain is described as "luminous," suggesting an inner light or a spiritual quality that transcends its physical form. The juxtaposition of "real, unreal sky" further blurs the lines between reality and perception, emphasizing the interplay between what is seen and what is felt.

In summary, "Looking Through" by Denise Levertov is a beautifully crafted poem that captures a moment of profound beauty and reflection. Through vivid and ethereal imagery, Levertov explores the themes of transparency, blending, and the mystical connection between the tangible and intangible. The poem invites readers to look beyond the surface of the natural world and perceive the deeper, more spiritual connections that lie beneath, creating a sense of wonder and contemplation.

Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...