Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov’s "The Runes" is a captivating exploration of wisdom, memory, and guidance conveyed through the lens of an ancient and dreamlike experience. The poem, presented as a series of runic instructions given in a dream to a Finnish child, delves into themes of nature, exploration, and personal growth.

The poem begins with a preface that sets the scene: the speaker, in a dream, is a young Finnish child tasked with writing out three ancient runes. This framing device immediately situates the poem in a realm of myth and cultural heritage, imbuing the subsequent lines with a sense of timeless wisdom.

The first rune emphasizes a deep connection with nature: "Know the pinetrees. Know the orange dryness of sickness and death in needle and cone. Know them too in green health, those among whom your life is laid." This rune speaks to the necessity of understanding the full cycle of life within nature—the health and vitality of the green pine trees as well as the sickness and death represented by the "orange dryness." The directive to "know" these states underscores the importance of being attuned to the natural world and recognizing that life encompasses both growth and decay. This knowledge forms the foundation of a life lived in harmony with the environment.

The second rune shifts to the metaphor of a ship and the journey it represents: "Know the ship you sail on. Know its timbers. Deep the fjord waters where you sail, steep the cliffs, deep into the unknown coast goes the winding fjord." This instruction encourages familiarity with the vessel that carries one through life, suggesting a need for intimate knowledge of the means by which one navigates the world. The "deep fjord waters" and "steep cliffs" evoke a sense of adventure and uncertainty, acknowledging that the path forward is often fraught with challenges and unknowns. The rhetorical question—"But what would you have? Would you be tied up to a sandwhite quay in perpetual sunshine, yards and masts sprouting little violet mandolins?"—rejects the idea of a static, unchallenging existence in favor of a dynamic journey filled with risks and discoveries. This rune advocates for embracing the journey, with all its complexities and uncertainties, as a necessary part of growth and exploration.

The third rune addresses the limitations imposed by different environments: "In city, in suburb, in forest, no way to stretch out the arms— so if you would grow, go straight up or deep down." This final instruction acknowledges the constraints that various settings place on individuals, whether they be urban, suburban, or rural. The advice to "go straight up or deep down" suggests that true growth requires transcending these horizontal limitations and seeking vertical expansion—reaching for greater heights or delving into deeper understanding. This metaphorical ascent or descent symbolizes the pursuit of personal and spiritual growth that goes beyond the superficial and the immediate surroundings.

"The Runes" by Denise Levertov, framed within the context of a dream and cultural legacy, offers profound insights into living a meaningful life. Through its evocative imagery and metaphorical language, the poem guides readers to understand the importance of connecting with nature, embracing the journey of life with all its uncertainties, and seeking deeper or higher dimensions of personal growth. The runes serve as timeless reminders of the wisdom embedded in cultural traditions and the universal quest for understanding and fulfillment.

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