Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "Everything That Acts Is Actual" meditates on the transformative power of imagination and its relationship to reality. The poem weaves together images of nature, light, and personal introspection, exploring how our perceptions and inner truths shape our understanding of the world.

The opening lines set a scene suffused with natural imagery: "From the tawny light / from the rainy nights / from the imagination finding / itself and more than itself." These lines establish a connection between the external world and the internal landscape of the imagination. The use of "tawny light" and "rainy nights" suggests a mood of reflection and introspection, where the imagination delves into its depths, discovering both its limitations and expansiveness.

The speaker's plea, "can you pull me / into December?" introduces a longing to be transported into a different time and space, described as "a lowland / of space, perception of space / towering of shadows of clouds blown upon / clouds." December, with its cold and somber connotations, becomes a metaphor for a new beginning, a place where one can perceive and explore new terrains both physically and mentally. The imagery of "heavy December footsteps" conveys a sense of weight and presence, suggesting that this journey into a new space is a deliberate and meaningful act.

The poem then shifts to the image of the "flawed moon," which "acts on the truth, and makes / an autumn of tentative / silences." The moon, often a symbol of change and reflection, is described as "flawed," indicating imperfection and reality. Its influence brings about a season of "tentative silences," a metaphor for the quiet and introspective moments that autumn evokes. This flawed moon symbolizes the interplay between reality and imagination, where both truths coexist and influence each other.

The line "You lived, but somewhere else, / your presence touched others, ring upon ring, / and changed" suggests a separation and transformation. The speaker acknowledges that the other person's presence, though distant, has had a ripple effect, changing not only others but also themselves. This transformation is mirrored in the speaker's own acknowledgment of change: "Did you think / I would not change?"

The poem culminates with the image of the "black moon / turn[ing] away, its work done," symbolizing the completion of a cycle or task. This leads to "a tenderness, / unspoken autumn," capturing a moment of quiet realization and acceptance. The final lines, "We are faithful / only to the imagination. What the / imagination / seizes / as beauty must be truth," assert the central theme of the poem. It suggests that our loyalty lies with our imaginative faculties, which shape our perception of beauty and truth. The grasp of the imagination on what it perceives as beauty is what binds us to our perceptions and to each other.

"Everything That Acts Is Actual" is a contemplative exploration of the dynamic between imagination and reality. Through evocative imagery and reflective language, Levertov invites readers to consider how our inner visions and perceptions shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. The poem underscores the idea that imagination is a powerful force that not only reflects but also transforms reality, creating a truth that is deeply personal and resonant.

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