Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "Wings of a God" explores the profound and transformative power of an unseen and almost mystical force. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem delves into themes of perception, change, and the unseen influences that shape our lives.

The poem begins with "The beating of the wings. / Unheard." This immediately establishes a sense of something significant yet imperceptible, suggesting a divine or transcendent presence. The idea of wings beating silently evokes the image of an angel or a god, whose influence is felt rather than heard.

Levertov transitions to a scene of rising heat: "The heat rising from dust of gray streets / as now off pale fields." The juxtaposition of "gray streets" and "pale fields" connects urban and rural environments, indicating that this unseen force permeates all aspects of life. The rising heat symbolizes an intensifying presence or influence, one that affects everything it touches.

The poem then introduces a scene filled with human activity and celebration: "'A huge crowd of friends / and well-wishers." The communal joy and support are palpable, yet they serve as a backdrop to the more profound experience that follows. The mention of "figureskates brilliantly / across the lacquer lid of a box where dreams are stored" adds a layer of surrealism. The box represents the subconscious or the realm of dreams, and the figure skating across its lid suggests a delicate balance and the potential for disruption.

The line "Something / has to give" signals a turning point, a moment of inevitable change. The repetition of the wings being "unheard" but "felt as a rush of air, / of air withdrawn" underscores the idea of an invisible force exerting its influence. This rush of air represents the anticipation of an impending event or realization, heightening the sense of suspense.

The poem reaches its climax with "The blow falls, feather and bone stone-heavy. / I am felled, / rise up with changed vision, a singing in my ears." The impact is both physical and metaphysical, described as "feather and bone stone-heavy," combining lightness and weight to convey the profound nature of the experience. Being "felled" suggests a moment of vulnerability or crisis, but it is immediately followed by rising "with changed vision." This transformation implies a newfound clarity or insight, marked by "a singing in my ears," which could symbolize enlightenment or an awakening to a new reality.

In "Wings of a God," Denise Levertov captures the essence of a powerful, unseen force that brings about profound change. The poem's imagery and symbolism evoke a sense of awe and wonder, inviting readers to reflect on the mysterious and transformative influences in their own lives. Through the interplay of the seen and unseen, heard and unheard, Levertov explores the deep and often hidden currents that shape our existence and perception.

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