Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "Wanting the Moon (II)" is a contemplative poem that delves into the multifaceted nature of desire and identity. Through evocative imagery and the juxtaposition of different forms of existence, Levertov explores themes of permanence, transformation, and the transcendence of the self.

The poem begins with a rejection of the moon, similar to "Wanting the Moon (I)," but here the desire shifts towards becoming a "bronze head inhabited by a god." This initial image conveys a sense of timelessness and divinity. The bronze head, a symbol of artistic immortality and spiritual presence, suggests a yearning for a form that transcends human limitations. The mention of a god inhabiting the head underscores the desire for a higher state of being, one that is both eternal and revered.

Levertov then transitions to the image of a "torso of granite left out in the weather ten thousand years, adored by passing clouds." This granite torso, enduring the elements for millennia, represents resilience and the beauty of weathered permanence. The clouds, ephemeral and ever-changing, paint the torso with their shadows, creating a dynamic interplay between the eternal and the transient. The "brushstrokes of dust blue" evoke a sense of natural artistry, where the elements themselves become part of the sculpture's ongoing transformation. The granite's exposure to "infinite rain" symbolizes a continuous process of renewal and interaction with the natural world, emphasizing the theme of enduring through change.

The poem then shifts focus to the clouds themselves, expressing a desire "to be a cloud." Here, the speaker yearns for the freedom and fluidity that comes with being a cloud—able to wander, change, and dissolve. The clouds' "gaiety of change from within" captures the joy found in transformation and the acceptance of impermanence. The act of raining, of giving oneself over to dissolution, reflects a profound embrace of life's cyclical nature and the beauty in letting go.

The final image in the poem is one of intimacy and connection: "To lie down in the dreams of a young man whose hair is the color of mahogany." This desire to inhabit another's dreams suggests a longing for a deep, emotional bond. The young man's mahogany-colored hair adds a rich, warm detail that emphasizes the personal and tactile nature of this connection. This intimate act of entering someone else's dreams represents a merging of identities and experiences, blending the speaker's desire for transcendence with the human need for closeness and understanding.

Levertov's use of free verse allows the poem to flow organically, mirroring the fluidity of the desires expressed. The language is precise and rich with sensory details, creating vivid images that engage the reader's imagination. Each image builds upon the last, weaving a tapestry of desires that move from the eternal and divine to the ephemeral and intimate.

In summary, "Wanting the Moon (II)" by Denise Levertov is a profound exploration of desire and identity. Through a series of vivid and contrasting images, the poem captures the yearning for permanence, transformation, and intimate connection. The desire to become a bronze head inhabited by a god, a weathered granite torso, a cloud, and finally to lie in another's dreams reflects a multifaceted longing for transcendence, resilience, fluidity, and emotional intimacy. Levertov's evocative imagery and fluid structure invite readers to reflect on their own desires and the interplay between the eternal and the transient in their lives.

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