Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov’s “A Map of the Western Part of the County of Essex in England” is a deeply evocative poem that explores the interplay between memory, identity, and place. Through detailed reminiscences of her childhood in Essex, Levertov reflects on the formative influence of her early environment and how it continues to shape her understanding of herself and the world.

The poem opens with a personal revelation: “Something forgotten twenty years,” immediately setting the stage for a journey into memory. Levertov acknowledges her diverse heritage—“my fathers and mothers came from Cordova and Vitepsk and Caernarvon”—and her American citizenship, which positions her as a global citizen. Despite this, she identifies herself as “Essex-born,” emphasizing the profound connection she feels to this specific place in England.

Levertov vividly recalls the landscapes and experiences that defined her childhood: “Cranbrook Wash called me into its dark tunnel, the little streams of Valentines heard my resolves, Roding held my head above water when I thought it was drowning me.” These places are not mere geographical locations but active participants in her formative years. The anthropomorphization of these places suggests a deep, personal bond with the natural world, one that provided both challenges and comfort.

The poem intertwines the ordinary and the mythic, blending everyday experiences with historical and legendary references: “in Hainault only a haze of thin trees stood between the red doubledecker buses and the boarhunt, the spirit of merciful Phillippa glimmered there.” This blending of the mundane with the historical and mythical underscores the richness of her childhood environment, where the past and present coalesce seamlessly.

Levertov’s recollections are filled with sensory details and specific names, grounding her memories in concrete reality: “Pergo Park knew me, and Clavering, and Havering-atte-Bower, Stanford Rivers lost me in osier-beds.” These places are described with affection and intimacy, each holding a piece of her history and contributing to her sense of self.

The poem also touches on moments of communal and personal significance: “Ilford High Road I saw the multitudes passing pale under the light of flaring sundown, seven kings in somber starry robes gathered at Seven Kings the place of law where my birth and marriage are recorded and the death of my father.” This passage reflects the intersection of personal milestones with the broader human experience, encapsulating the continuity of life, death, and social rituals within the fabric of her hometown.

Levertov addresses the universal experience of displacement and longing for a lost home, drawing parallels between her own experience and those of others: “All the Ivans dreaming of their villages all the Marias dreaming of their walled cities, picking up fragments of New World slowly not knowing how to put them together nor how to join image with image.” This recognition of shared human experiences across cultures and histories speaks to the universal quest for belonging and identity.

The poem culminates in a reflection on the enduring impact of childhood places: “now I know how it was with you, an old map made long before I was born shows ancient rights of way where I walked when I was ten burning with desire for the world’s great splendors.” The old map symbolizes a connection to a historical continuum, linking her personal journey to the broader tapestry of human history and geography.

In the final lines, Levertov poignantly recalls the sensory impressions of her childhood: “who now in a far country remembers the first river, the first field, bricks and lumber dumped in it ready for building, that new smell, and remembers the walls of the garden, the first light.” These images evoke the primal and indelible nature of early memories, suggesting that these foundational experiences continue to shape her perception and identity.

“A Map of the Western Part of the County of Essex in England” by Denise Levertov is a rich, reflective meditation on the power of place and memory. Through its detailed and affectionate portrayal of her childhood environment, the poem explores how our early experiences and the landscapes of our youth continue to influence our sense of self and our understanding of the world. Levertov’s evocative imagery and thoughtful reflections invite readers to consider their own connections to the places that have shaped them.

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