Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov’s poem "The Communion" explores the theme of connection and reflection through vivid imagery and the interplay between different elements of nature and human perception. The poem presents a meditative scene where the speaker’s inner world and the external environment intersect, creating a sense of unity and contemplation.

The poem opens with a striking image: "A pondering frog looks out from my eyes: / dark-red, veiled blue, plums roll to the center of a bowl." This line suggests a merging of identities, where the frog, symbolizing contemplation and patience, becomes an extension of the speaker's vision. The colors "dark-red" and "veiled blue" add a rich, layered quality to the scene, enhancing the sense of depth and introspection. The rolling plums in the bowl symbolize a natural, effortless movement toward a center, possibly representing a search for balance or inner peace.

The imagery then shifts to a broader perspective: "and at close horizon water-towers hump and perch." The water-towers, described with animal-like characteristics, create a surreal landscape where inanimate structures seem to come alive. This blending of nature and human-made elements continues the theme of unity and interconnectedness.

The command "Leap / frog, to a lake" initiates a dynamic transition from the static contemplation to action. The scene at the lake is described with vibrant, detailed imagery: "leaves support the lilies, water holds / erect the long, strong stems, reflects gleaming / rosy petals, pollen-yellow lily-buds, clouds lilac-tinted and dissolving." This depiction of the lake and its surroundings emphasizes the natural harmony and beauty, with each element supporting and reflecting one another. The lily pads and stems standing erect in the water signify strength and resilience, while the reflection of the rosy petals and lilac-tinted clouds suggests a serene and ephemeral quality.

The poem then circles back to the initial imagery: "Back to the plums- / eggs in a blue nest-the squat peaked assembly of towers." The repetition of the plums and the introduction of the "eggs in a blue nest" reinforce the theme of potential and nurturing, while the "squat peaked assembly of towers" suggests stability and a grounded presence.

The speaker seeks to understand this scene: "What is it? / An accord." The word "accord" signifies harmony and agreement, capturing the essence of the interconnected elements and their collective unity. This moment of realization highlights the central theme of communion, where different aspects of nature and perception come together in a cohesive whole.

The final lines of the poem address the frog directly: "Break out, frog, / Sing, you who don't know / anything about anything. / 'To dance without moving' shall be your burden." These lines emphasize the frog's role as a symbol of pure, unselfconscious existence. The frog’s song, born from ignorance and innocence, represents a natural expression of life. The phrase "to dance without moving" suggests a paradoxical state of dynamic stillness, embodying the essence of meditation and inner peace.

"The Communion" by Denise Levertov is a richly layered poem that explores the unity between the inner self and the external world. Through its vivid imagery and contemplative tone, the poem invites readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of nature and the harmony that can be found in the simplest moments of observation and introspection. Levertov’s masterful use of language and metaphor creates a profound meditation on the nature of existence and the beauty of communion with the world around us.

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