Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "An Interim" is a complex and multifaceted poem that weaves together themes of war, innocence, language, peace, and resistance. The poem is structured in seven sections, each offering a unique perspective on these themes, creating a rich tapestry of reflection and commentary.

The first section sets the tone of despair and diminishment, capturing the soul's struggle amidst the ongoing war: "While the war drags on, always worse, the soul dwindles sometimes to an ant rapid upon a cracked surface." This imagery of an ant skimming over unfathomable clefts where despair seethes evokes a sense of insignificance and relentless struggle.

The second section juxtaposes the innocence of childhood with the corruption of language and the brutality of war. A boy's manipulation of language in a playful yet cruel manner contrasts sharply with the chilling language used to justify the destruction of a town: "It became necessary to destroy the town to save it." Levertov critiques the erosion of language and its ability to convey truth and morality: "Language, coral island accrued from human comprehensions, human dreams, / you are eroded as war erodes us."

The third section shifts to the sea, symbolizing a place of solace and reflection: "To repossess our souls we fly to the sea." The natural world offers a reprieve from the turmoil of war, allowing for a moment of peace and contemplation. The mention of de Courcy Squire, an 18-year-old war resister, underscores the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and peace. The sea, sun, and sand provide a stark contrast to the harsh realities of imprisonment and resistance.

In the fourth section, Levertov envisions peace as a state of grandeur and serene energy: "Peace as grandeur. Energy serene and noble." This section blends memories of childhood, literature, and the natural world to create a vision of peace that is both majestic and attainable. The waves breaking on the packed sand and the palm trees dropping dry branches calmly symbolize the persistent and transformative power of nature.

The fifth section introduces a dream-like sequence, blending elements of reality and imagination. The narrator describes a city that is part Berlin, part Chicago, and the experiences of prisoners, including de Courcy Squire. Despite the grim circumstances, there is a sense of hope and solidarity among the prisoners and the people who support them: "the people watched us pass and waved to us, and gave us serious smiles of hope." This section highlights the resilience and determination of those who resist oppression.

The sixth section is a letter from Puerto Rico, expressing the duality of experiencing pleasure and satisfaction in confronting the war-makers while recognizing the personal hardships that come with resistance: "The sympathy of mild good folk, a kind of latex from their leaves; our inconvenience draws it out." Levertov criticizes the lack of outrage from those who are not directly affected by the war and the suffering it causes. The section ends with a reflection on the importance of those who take extreme measures to protest the war, serving as a reminder of the dark realities that others may ignore.

The final section returns to the theme of remembrance and the need to keep moving forward despite the challenges: "To expand again, to plunge our dryness into the unwearying source - / but not to forget." The poem concludes with a call to remember the sacrifices and struggles of those who resist and to continue seeking peace and justice.

"An Interim" by Denise Levertov is a profound and intricate meditation on the impact of war, the power of language, and the quest for peace. Through its rich imagery and layered themes, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own roles in the broader context of conflict and resistance, urging a deeper understanding and commitment to change. Levertov's poetic mastery lies in her ability to weave these elements together, creating a powerful and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with the complexities of the human experience.

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