Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov’s poem "Summer 1961," dedicated to the memory of H.D. (Hilda Doolittle), poignantly reflects on the passing of influential poets and the journey of those left behind. Written shortly before Levertov’s own death, the poem captures themes of loss, legacy, and the continuation of the poetic journey.

The poem opens with a solemn acknowledgment of loss: "This is the year when the old ones, the old great ones, / leave us alone on the road." The "old great ones" refer to influential poets whose presence and guidance have shaped the literary landscape. Their departure marks a significant moment, leaving the next generation to navigate their path alone. The imagery of the road leading to the sea suggests a journey towards an unknown and potentially transformative destination.

Levertov continues by describing the poets' legacy: "We have the words in our pockets, obscure directions. The old ones / have taken away the light of their presence, we see it moving away over a hill off to one side." The "words in our pockets" symbolize the poetic inheritance and guidance left behind, though the directions are unclear and challenging to decipher. The departure of the "old ones" and their light signifies the loss of direct mentorship and the daunting task of continuing without their immediate influence.

The poem touches on the personal struggles of these poets in their final days: "They are not dying, they are withdrawn into a painful privacy / learning to live without words." This line evokes the isolation and difficulty of poets facing the end of their creative lives, grappling with the loss of their ability to communicate through language. The references to E.P. (Ezra Pound), Williams (William Carlos Williams), and H.D. highlight their struggles with illness and the loss of speech, underscoring the profound impact on their artistic expression.

The setting shifts to a more existential reflection: "The darkness / twists itself in the wind, the stars are small, the horizon ringed with confused urban light-haze." This imagery conveys a sense of disorientation and uncertainty in the absence of the guiding lights of the old poets. The road ahead is unclear, and the urban light-haze symbolizes the distractions and confusions of contemporary life.

Levertov then describes the journey of the remaining poets: "We hear / our footsteps each time a truck / has dazzled past us and gone leaving us new silence." The moments of dazzling light followed by silence emphasize the fleeting nature of inspiration and the continuous effort required to move forward in the poetic journey. The road to the sea remains elusive and endless, suggesting that the quest for understanding and meaning is ongoing and never fully realized.

The poem concludes with a contemplative and hopeful note: "But for us the road unfurls itself, we count the words in our pockets, we wonder / how it will be without them, we don't stop walking, we know there is far to go, sometimes / we think the night wind carries a smell of the sea." Despite the uncertainty and the absence of their predecessors, the poets continue their journey, holding onto the words and directions left behind. The faint smell of the sea carried by the night wind hints at the promise of eventual arrival and fulfillment, a reminder to persevere and trust in the process.

"Summer 1961" is a poignant reflection on the transition between generations of poets and the enduring journey of artistic exploration. Through her evocative imagery and introspective tone, Levertov captures the essence of loss, legacy, and the resilience required to continue the poetic quest. The poem serves as a tribute to the old great ones and a testament to the perseverance of those who follow in their footsteps.

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