Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "Of Being" delicately captures a transient moment of happiness and introspection, weaving together themes of impermanence, beauty, and the complex emotions that arise from simply existing. The poem's brevity and vivid imagery highlight Levertov's ability to encapsulate profound truths within a few lines.

The poem begins with an acknowledgment of the ephemeral nature of happiness: "I know this happiness is provisional." The word "provisional" underscores the temporary and conditional aspect of this emotion, suggesting that the speaker is acutely aware of its fleeting presence. This recognition of happiness's impermanence sets the tone for the entire poem, infusing it with a sense of mindfulness and acceptance.

Levertov continues by noting the "looming presences — great suffering, great fear" that remain ever-present, albeit at the edges of awareness. These "looming presences" are not directly confronted but are instead relegated to "peripheral vision." This imagery suggests that while suffering and fear are undeniable parts of the human experience, they do not dominate the speaker's current state of mind. The ability to momentarily push these concerns to the periphery allows the speaker to fully immerse in the present moment.

The poem then shifts to a celebration of the immediate and tangible experiences of beauty and peace: "ineluctable this shimmering of wind in the blue leaves: / this flood of stillness widening the lake of sky." The word "ineluctable" conveys the idea of something that cannot be avoided or escaped, implying that these moments of natural beauty are as inevitable as the looming presences of fear and suffering. The "shimmering of wind in the blue leaves" and the "flood of stillness widening the lake of sky" evoke a serene and almost mystical atmosphere, where nature's beauty provides a profound sense of calm and expansiveness.

Levertov's choice of imagery — the wind, the leaves, the sky — creates a vivid sensory experience, inviting the reader to share in the speaker's moment of awe and tranquility. The "shimmering" and "flood of stillness" suggest a dynamic interplay between movement and stillness, capturing the delicate balance that defines this fleeting happiness.

The poem concludes with an exploration of the speaker's internal responses to this moment: "this need to dance, this need to kneel: / this mystery." The juxtaposition of "dance" and "kneel" highlights the dual impulses of celebration and reverence that arise from encountering such profound beauty. The need to dance represents a spontaneous, joyful response, while the need to kneel suggests a deep sense of humility and gratitude. Together, these impulses reflect the complexity of human emotions when faced with the sublime.

The final word, "mystery," encapsulates the essence of the poem. Despite the speaker's awareness of the provisional nature of happiness and the looming presences of suffering and fear, there is an acknowledgment of the profound mystery that underlies existence. This mystery encompasses the beauty of the natural world, the complexity of human emotions, and the fleeting nature of happiness. It is a recognition that some aspects of life remain beyond comprehension, yet they evoke a deep sense of wonder and contemplation.

Structurally, the poem's free verse form and lack of punctuation contribute to its fluid and meditative quality. The seamless flow of images and thoughts mirrors the speaker's reflective state, allowing the reader to move effortlessly through the poem's shifting moods and insights.

In "Of Being," Denise Levertov masterfully captures the transient and multifaceted nature of happiness, highlighting the interplay between joy, beauty, suffering, and mystery. Through her evocative imagery and contemplative tone, Levertov invites readers to embrace the fleeting moments of grace and wonder that punctuate the human experience, even amidst the ever-present shadows of doubt and fear. The poem serves as a reminder to find solace and meaning in the ephemeral beauty of the present moment, acknowledging the mystery that lies at the heart of being.

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