Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "In Abeyance," Denise Levertov presents a poignant reflection on modern alienation and the erosion of communal and sacred rituals that once connected individuals to one another and to the divine. The poem contrasts contemporary disconnection with a past imbued with meaningful interactions and spiritual observances.

Levertov begins with the imagery of unskilled hands failing to perform the ancient ritual of anointing a stranger's flesh with oil, highlighting the absence of initial intimacy and connection before any verbal exchange. This lack of touch and care before speaking symbolizes a broader loss of hospitality and genuine human engagement in today's world. The absence of feasting before storytelling and the omission of asking for a stranger’s name underscore a society that has forgotten the importance of welcoming and understanding one another.

The poet shifts to a broader view, noting the movement of ships along the river and through the Narrows, emphasizing the continuous flow of people and goods. However, despite this constant activity, few are aware of it, indicating a collective obliviousness and disinterest in the interconnectedness of human journeys. This reflects a society where individuals are numerous, yet isolated, each traveling to their own metaphorical islands without sharing their stories or experiences.

Levertov laments the absence of exchange of gifts, libations, and sacrifices to the gods, rituals that once symbolized mutual respect, gratitude, and acknowledgment of the divine in everyday life. The line "nor sacrifice to the gods and no house has its herm" invokes the ancient Greek tradition of placing herms, sacred stone markers dedicated to Hermes, at the entrances of homes for protection and blessing. The absence of such symbols signifies a loss of the sacred in domestic and communal spaces.

By employing these images, Levertov critiques the loss of meaningful traditions that fostered a sense of belonging and spirituality. The poem suggests that in the absence of these rituals, individuals become strangers not only to each other but also to themselves and the divine.

"In Abeyance" serves as a call to reawaken these ancient practices of hospitality, storytelling, and spiritual observance. Levertov's vivid imagery and contemplative tone invite readers to reflect on their own disconnections and the potential for rekindling a sense of community and sacredness in their lives. Through this poem, she underscores the importance of recognizing and nurturing the bonds that link us to one another and to the larger, transcendent aspects of existence.

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