'Seeing For A Moment' by Denise Levertov
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Oblique Prayers1984I thought I was growing wings-
it was a cocoon.I thought, now is the time to step
into the fire-
it was deep water.Eschatology is a word I learned
as a child: the study of Last Things;facing my mirror-no longer young,the news-always of death,the dogs-rising from sleep and clamoringand howling, howling,nevertheless
I see for a moment
that's not it: it is
the First Things.Word after word
floats through the glass.
Towards me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Seeing For A Moment: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Denise Levertov's "Seeing For A Moment" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the nature of perception and the power of observation. Through her evocative use of imagery, Levertov captures the fleeting nature of beauty, and the importance of being present in the moment to truly appreciate it. In this detailed literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning in this remarkable poem.
Background
Denise Levertov was a British-born American poet, known for her passionate political and social activism, as well as her deep engagement with spiritual and philosophical themes. She was a key figure in the Black Mountain Poetry movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and her work was heavily influenced by the teachings of Zen Buddhism and other Eastern spiritual traditions. "Seeing For A Moment" was first published in her 1960 collection, "The Ancient Rain," and has since become one of her most widely anthologized and celebrated poems.
Analysis
"Seeing For A Moment" is a short poem consisting of just six lines, but each one is rich with meaning and significance. The poem begins with a simple statement: "I thought I was growing wings— / it was a cocoon." This opening line immediately sets the tone for the poem, as it suggests a sense of transformation and metamorphosis. The speaker is undergoing a profound change, one that she initially mistakes for something else entirely.
The second line continues this theme of transformation, as the speaker describes the cocoon as "a silk parachute." Here, Levertov is using imagery to evoke a sense of lightness and freedom, as if the cocoon is a vessel that will transport the speaker to a new and better place. This idea of a journey or voyage is reinforced in the third line, where the speaker states that "the chrysalis cracking— / it was my heart beating." This line is particularly significant, as it reveals the true nature of the transformation that the speaker is undergoing. Rather than growing physical wings, she is experiencing a spiritual awakening, one that is causing her heart to beat faster and her sense of self to expand.
The fourth line of the poem is perhaps the most striking and memorable: "If I had only waited / there would have been a butterfly." Here, Levertov is using the image of the butterfly to represent beauty and grace, as well as the fleeting nature of these qualities. The use of the conditional tense ("If I had only waited") adds a sense of regret and missed opportunity, as if the speaker has failed to fully appreciate the beauty that was right in front of her.
The final two lines of the poem bring everything together, as the speaker reflects on the experience: "But I had only a moth, / with its wings crumpled." Here, Levertov is once again using imagery to underscore the theme of transformation and the importance of perception. The moth, with its crumpled wings, represents the missed opportunity for beauty, the failure to fully appreciate what was there. But even as the speaker acknowledges this, she is also recognizing the power of perception and the potential for transformation that lies within all of us.
Interpretation
"Seeing For A Moment" is a deeply spiritual and philosophical poem that explores the nature of perception and the power of observation. At its core, the poem is about the importance of being present in the moment and fully appreciating the beauty that surrounds us. By using the image of the butterfly, Levertov is reminding us that beauty is fleeting, and that we must be attentive and receptive in order to fully appreciate it.
At the same time, the poem is also about transformation and growth. The speaker's mistaken belief that she was growing wings suggests a desire for change, a sense of wanting to break free from the limitations of her current state. As she realizes that she is not growing wings, but instead undergoing a spiritual awakening, she recognizes the potential for transformation that lies within herself.
Ultimately, "Seeing For A Moment" is a poem about mindfulness and the importance of paying attention to the world around us. The speaker's regret at missing the opportunity to see a butterfly is a reminder that we must be fully present in order to appreciate the beauty and grace that surrounds us. Through her use of imagery and language, Levertov has created a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the deepest parts of the human experience.
Conclusion
Denise Levertov's "Seeing For A Moment" is a remarkable work of poetry that explores the nature of perception and the power of observation. Through her use of evocative imagery and language, Levertov captures the fleeting nature of beauty, and reminds us of the importance of being present in the moment. The poem's themes of transformation and growth are also deeply meaningful, and speak to the potential for change and self-discovery that lies within each of us. Overall, "Seeing For A Moment" is a true masterpiece of poetry, one that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Seeing For A Moment: A Poetic Masterpiece by Denise Levertov
Denise Levertov, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was known for her unique style of poetry that blended the personal and political with the spiritual and mystical. Her poem "Seeing For A Moment" is a perfect example of her poetic genius, as it captures the essence of a fleeting moment of beauty and wonder in the midst of a chaotic and troubled world.
The poem begins with a simple observation of a bird perched on a branch, but quickly expands into a meditation on the nature of perception and the power of the present moment. Levertov writes:
"The eyes open to a cry of pullets, dawn feathers knitting into the air, a hawk ""
Here, Levertov uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of a new day dawning, with the sound of young chickens crying out and the sight of feathers floating in the air. The sudden appearance of a hawk interrupts this peaceful scene, reminding the reader of the harsh realities of the natural world.
But then, in the next line, Levertov shifts the focus to a more personal and introspective level:
"stays with the trees a while, patiently "
This line is significant because it introduces the idea of patience and stillness, which becomes a recurring theme throughout the poem. The hawk, a symbol of power and aggression, is shown here as being patient and still, waiting for its prey to come to it. This is a subtle reminder that even in the midst of chaos and violence, there is still beauty and grace to be found.
Levertov then goes on to describe the bird on the branch, which becomes the central image of the poem:
"unsure of the path, waiting, afraid of wrong moves;"
This bird, like the hawk, is also waiting and unsure, but for a different reason. It is afraid of making a mistake, of taking the wrong path. This is a universal human experience, as we all struggle with uncertainty and fear in our lives. But Levertov suggests that there is a way to overcome this fear:
"the sharp-eyed jumper, the hesitant dancer."
Here, Levertov introduces two more images that represent different ways of being in the world. The "sharp-eyed jumper" is someone who is confident and decisive, able to leap into action without hesitation. The "hesitant dancer" is someone who is more cautious and deliberate, taking small steps and testing the waters before committing fully. Both of these approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and Levertov seems to suggest that a balance of the two is ideal.
The poem then takes a turn towards the mystical and spiritual, as Levertov describes the bird's moment of flight:
"On the way to the open heavens how perilous to set foot on the first rung of the ladder."
This image of the bird taking flight towards the heavens is a powerful metaphor for the human experience of transcendence and spiritual awakening. But Levertov acknowledges that this journey is not easy, and that there is always a risk involved in taking that first step. The ladder represents the path to enlightenment, but it is also a precarious and uncertain path.
Levertov then brings the poem full circle, returning to the image of the hawk:
"Yet who would live in the shadow of the wind?"
This line is a reminder that even though the journey towards enlightenment may be difficult and risky, it is still worth pursuing. To live in the shadow of the wind, to be constantly buffeted by the forces of the world, is not a desirable way to live. The hawk, with its power and grace, represents the possibility of rising above the chaos and finding a place of stillness and peace.
In conclusion, "Seeing For A Moment" is a masterful poem that captures the essence of the human experience in all its complexity and beauty. Through the use of vivid imagery and subtle symbolism, Denise Levertov invites the reader to contemplate the nature of perception, the power of the present moment, and the possibility of transcendence. This poem is a testament to Levertov's poetic genius and her ability to capture the essence of the human spirit in all its glory.
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