Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "Variation on a Theme by Rilke" meditates on the nature of divine representation in art, inspired by the work of Rainer Maria Rilke in "The Book of Hours." Through a conversation between an old monk and his reflections on various artists' depictions of the holy, Levertov explores the intersection of faith, creativity, and the inherent truths conveyed through sacred art.

The poem begins with the old monk closing a book and affirming the truthfulness of the images contained within it. He declares, "All these images (said the old monk, closing the book) / these inspired depictions, are true." This statement sets the stage for a contemplation of religious art's authenticity and spiritual resonance. The monk insists that the works of renowned artists like Giotto, Van Eyck, Rembrandt, and Rouault, among others, are not mere figments of imagination but authentic representations of the divine. By naming these artists, Levertov situates her poem within a rich tradition of religious art, acknowledging the diverse ways in which the divine has been perceived and portrayed.

The monk's assertion that "not one is a fancy, a willed fiction" underscores the conviction that each artwork captures an aspect of the "manifold countenance of the Holy One, Blessed be He." This phrase, "manifold countenance," suggests the infinite and multifaceted nature of the divine, which cannot be confined to a single image or form. The poem celebrates the diversity of these depictions, each contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the sacred.

Levertov then employs architectural imagery to further illustrate her point: "The seraph buttress flying / to support a cathedral's external walls, / the shadowy ribs of the vaulted sanctuary: / aren't both — and equally - / the form of a holy place?" Here, she compares the external and internal structures of a cathedral, suggesting that both aspects are integral to the sacredness of the space. The "seraph buttress" and the "shadowy ribs" of the sanctuary symbolize the visible and hidden elements of faith, each playing a crucial role in supporting and defining the holy.

The poem's central metaphor revolves around the cathedral's windows, described as "whose windows' ruby and celestial sapphire / can be seen only from inside, but then only when light / enters from without." This image highlights the interplay between interior and exterior, suggesting that the full beauty and meaning of the sacred can only be perceived when external illumination — divine light — penetrates the inner sanctum. The ruby and sapphire windows symbolize the spiritual insights and revelations that are visible only to those who are open to the divine light.

Levertov continues to explore the theme of divine illumination with the line, "From the divine twilight, neither dark nor day, / blossoms the morning." This imagery evokes a liminal space, a transitional period where divine light begins to emerge, transforming the twilight into morning. It reflects the idea that spiritual understanding often arises from a state of ambiguity and transition, where the boundaries between darkness and light are blurred.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the interconnectedness of artistic vision and divine mystery: "Each, at work in his art, perceived his neighbor. / Thus the Infinite plays, and in grace / gives us clues to His mystery." Levertov suggests that artists, through their creative endeavors, perceive and acknowledge each other's contributions to the understanding of the divine. This mutual recognition and the collective effort to depict the sacred are seen as a form of divine play, through which the Infinite reveals aspects of its mystery to humanity. The notion of the divine "playing" underscores a sense of grace and generosity, as the sacred is revealed not through didactic means but through the subtle and nuanced language of art.

In "Variation on a Theme by Rilke," Denise Levertov masterfully weaves together themes of faith, art, and the divine mystery. Through rich imagery and thoughtful reflection, she celebrates the diverse ways in which the sacred has been depicted and understood by artists throughout history. The poem invites readers to contemplate the profound truths that lie within these artistic representations, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the interplay between human creativity and divine inspiration.

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