Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "Variation on a Theme by Rilke (The Book of Hours, BK I, 1)" encapsulates a moment of profound epiphany and empowerment, drawing from Rainer Maria Rilke's reflections on presence, self-awareness, and divine encounter. Through vivid and evocative imagery, Levertov explores the transformative impact of a singular day that becomes a catalyst for self-realization and purpose.

The poem begins with the line "A certain day became a presence to me," immediately personifying the day and suggesting that it holds a significant, almost sentient quality. This day is not merely a span of time but a distinct entity confronting the speaker. The choice of the word "presence" imbues the day with an almost sacred or divine aura, indicating that it is more than ordinary.

Levertov continues, "there it was, confronting me -- a sky, air, light: / a being." This triad of natural elements—sky, air, light—represents the fundamental components of the environment, yet their combination here transcends the mundane. The day is described as "a being," further emphasizing its personified and almost mystical nature. The confrontation suggests a direct, unavoidable encounter that demands the speaker's attention and engagement.

The poem then shifts to a more dynamic interaction: "And before it started to descend / from the height of noon, it leaned over / and struck my shoulder as if with / the flat of a sword, granting me / honor and a task." Here, Levertov uses the metaphor of knighthood, where the day, descending from its zenith, performs a ceremonial gesture akin to the dubbing of a knight. The "flat of a sword" symbolizes a moment of initiation, bestowing both honor and responsibility upon the speaker. This act of being struck on the shoulder signifies a call to action, a moment of anointment that imparts both a sense of duty and a newfound purpose.

The line "The day's blow / rang out, metallic" captures the resonant and lasting impact of this moment. The metallic sound suggests something sharp, clear, and enduring, much like the toll of a bell. The poem then makes a profound shift in perspective: "or it was I, a bell awakened, / and what I heard was my whole self / saying and singing what it knew: I can." The speaker transforms from a passive recipient to an active participant, realizing that the sound was not just external but also an internal awakening.

The metaphor of the bell is particularly powerful. Bells are instruments of announcement, calling people to attention, to prayer, or to action. The speaker, as an awakened bell, signifies a moment of self-realization and affirmation. The statement "I can" is a declaration of capability and readiness, a response to the day's call to action. It suggests a newfound confidence and empowerment, as the speaker acknowledges their own potential and agency.

Levertov's use of free verse and enjambment allows the poem to flow seamlessly, mirroring the organic and spontaneous nature of the epiphany. The lack of a rigid structure reflects the fluidity of the experience, capturing the essence of a moment that is both immediate and transformative.

In "Variation on a Theme by Rilke," Levertov masterfully conveys the profound impact of a moment of clarity and empowerment. Through her evocative language and rich imagery, she illustrates the transition from passive observation to active engagement, from being confronted by the day's presence to embracing a new sense of purpose. The poem is a celebration of self-realization and the recognition of one's own potential, encapsulated in the simple yet powerful affirmation: "I can."

This poem invites readers to reflect on their own moments of epiphany and empowerment, encouraging a deeper understanding of the ways in which ordinary experiences can become transformative encounters. Levertov's meditation on presence and self-awareness serves as a reminder of the latent potential within each individual, waiting to be awakened by the call of life's significant moments.

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