Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "A Vision" is a poetic exploration of understanding and intellectual love as framed by the interactions of two angels. Through vivid imagery and philosophical reflection, the poem examines the transformative power of seeing and appreciating the perfections in another, drawing upon Spinoza's concept of intellectual love—the comprehension of a thing's inherent perfections.

The poem begins with an epigraph from Spinoza: "The intellectual love of a thing is the understanding of its perfections." This sets the thematic foundation for the poem, signaling an exploration of how true understanding and appreciation can lead to profound connection and enlightenment.

In the initial lines, two angels are described pausing "in the upward abyss," a powerful image suggesting both an immense, boundless space and a moment of stillness within it. These angels, characterized by their grandeur, possess wings that "encompass entire / earthly villages" and heads that, if their feet touched the ground, would "top pines or redwoods." This description emphasizes their otherworldly stature and presence.

The angels' wings glow with vivid colors: one with "blue and green" feathers, the other with "red to gold" hues. These colors symbolize their distinct magnificence and unique qualities. The poem suggests that these angels, despite their grandeur, are "poised on the brink of dispute" due to their differences. This potential conflict is rooted in their initial inability to fully appreciate the other's unique beauty and magnificence.

The narrative tension builds as the angels, "hovered dazed before one another," begin to see and appreciate the distinct qualities of the other's wings. The first angel sees the "seafeathered, peacock breakered crests" of the other, while the second angel's eyes flicker with visions of "flame petallings, cream-gold grainfeather glitterings." This mutual recognition and appreciation signify a shift from potential conflict to a deeper understanding.

As they continue to gaze upon each other, the angels experience a transformation through what Levertov calls "the intelligence proper to great angels"—an intellectual love that comprehends and celebrates the perfections in another. This intellectual love allows them to see beyond their differences and recognize the beauty and magnificence in each other's unique attributes. The poem describes this moment as a "silent interchange of perfection," suggesting a deep, wordless understanding and connection.

The transformation is further depicted as their wings become "iridescent with the strange newly-seen hues" they observe in each other. This imagery highlights how their mutual appreciation and understanding enhance their own beauty and complexity. The angels do not "shrink to opposites" but instead remain "free in the heavenly chasm," embodying a harmonious coexistence that transcends initial differences.

The final lines of the poem reflect on the outcome of this visionary encounter. The angels "remained angels, but dreaming angels," indicating that their experience has elevated their consciousness and deepened their sense of wonder. They are now "imbued with the mysteries of the other," suggesting that their intellectual love has enriched their understanding of themselves and each other, leading to a more profound and interconnected existence.

"A Vision" by Denise Levertov beautifully illustrates the power of intellectual love and the transformative potential of understanding and appreciating the inherent perfections in others. Through the allegory of the two angels, the poem explores themes of unity, transcendence, and the deep connections that arise from true comprehension and appreciation of the diverse qualities that make each being unique. Levertov's rich imagery and philosophical reflections invite readers to consider how embracing differences can lead to greater harmony and enlightenment in their own lives.

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