Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov’s "A Ring of Changes" is a multi-faceted and introspective poem that delves into themes of transformation, renewal, identity, and connection through a series of vivid and contemplative vignettes. The poem is divided into six sections, each providing a unique perspective on the natural world, personal introspection, and interpersonal relationships.

The first section sets a contemplative tone, beginning with images of autumn’s decay and renewal: "Shells, husks, the wandering of autumn seeds, / the loitering of curled indoor leaves." These images evoke a sense of transition and the cyclical nature of life. The speaker reflects on the fear of emptiness and the potential for growth hidden within decay: "Cracking husk, afraid / it may reveal a dirty emptiness / afraid its hazelnut may be green, bitter, of no account." The plea to the seed to "cling / to the hard earth" and the old leaf to "fall and rot / enriching your rich brotherhood" highlights the interconnectedness and necessity of each stage of life.

The second section delves into personal transformation, comparing it to shedding an old skin: "To shed this fake face as a snakeskin, / paper dragon the winds will tear." This metaphor suggests a desire to strip away superficialities and confront buried shame: "to dig shame up, a buried bone / and tie it to my breast." The speaker questions whether this shame could eventually transform into something beautiful or meaningful: "would it change, in time, to an ornament? / Could it serve to be carved with new designs?"

In the third section, the speaker searches among the papers of a loved one, seeking a connection: "I look among your papers / for something that will give you to me until you come back." The discovery of the phrase "Where are my dreams?" leads to a reflection on the intermingling of dreams and identities: "Your dreams! Have they not nourished my life?" The speaker acknowledges how intertwined their lives and dreams have become, suggesting a deep, almost symbiotic relationship: "My dreams are gone off to hunt yours."

The fourth section presents a vision of the afterlife, where the speaker's father has become "a blissful foolish rose / his face beaming from among petals." This whimsical and tender image contrasts with the earlier themes of decay and introspection, offering a vision of joyful transformation and simplicity in the afterlife.

The fifth section returns to the theme of natural growth, describing a "tree of life" growing in the living room. This tree is symbolic of continuous growth and connection within the domestic space: "From its first shoots, many leaves, / then a long, curved, and back-curving bare stretch, / and above, many leaves, many new shoots." The interplay between the live broadcast of Casals' cello and the tree emphasizes the harmony between human creativity and natural growth. The cello, with its hollow body, parallels the hollow stems of the vine, suggesting a shared resonance and potential for creation: "As bow touches strings, a voice is heard; at the articulations of green, a path moves toward a leaf."

The final section brings a moment of tranquility and unity: "Between the white louvers, nectarine light, / and on the carpets earthbrown, amber, entered, filled unpeopled space with presence." The description of the room bathed in light creates a sense of peace and connection. The vine continues its quiet growth, symbolizing ongoing life and the potential for new beginnings: "Green to the white ceiling drew the vine." The speaker and their partner observe this growth from a state of partial wakefulness, appreciating the moment of beauty and stillness in their shared space.

In "A Ring of Changes," Denise Levertov masterfully weaves together themes of natural cycles, personal transformation, and the deep connections between people and their environments. Through vivid imagery and reflective meditations, the poem invites readers to contemplate the continuous processes of growth, decay, and renewal that define both the natural world and human experience.

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