Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "Divorcing" encapsulates the complex emotions and poignant reality of separation through the metaphor of Siamese twins. The poem uses vivid and evocative imagery to explore themes of connection, pain, and the uncertain aftermath of a deep, intertwined relationship that has been severed.

The opening lines introduce the central metaphor with striking clarity: "One garland / of flowers, leaves, thorns / was twined round our two necks." The garland, a mix of beauty and pain, symbolizes the bond between the couple. Flowers represent the beauty and love in their relationship, while leaves suggest the natural growth and changes they've experienced together. Thorns, however, introduce an element of pain and discomfort, highlighting the inevitable struggles and conflicts that arise in any intimate relationship.

Levertov deepens this imagery by describing the garland as something that "could choke us, yet we loved its scratchy grace, / our fragrant yoke." The garland's potential to choke underscores the suffocating aspects of their bond, suggesting that while their connection was beautiful and fragrant, it also had the capacity to cause significant pain and even harm. The phrase "scratchy grace" captures the paradoxical nature of their relationship—simultaneously irritating and cherished. The term "yoke" emphasizes the burdensome aspect of their union, a binding force that both partners willingly endured.

The metaphor then shifts to an even more intimate and visceral image: "We were Siamese twins. / Our blood's not sure if it can circulate, / now we are cut apart." This comparison to Siamese twins suggests an inseparable bond where their lives and identities were intricately intertwined. The separation, akin to a surgical procedure, leaves their blood—symbolizing life force and emotional sustenance—uncertain of its ability to function independently. The severance is not just physical but deeply emotional, casting doubt on their individual ability to thrive apart.

The poem concludes with a haunting and reflective line: "Something in each of us is waiting to see if we can survive, severed." This closing thought captures the essence of uncertainty and vulnerability that follows a significant separation. Both individuals are in a state of suspense, unsure of their capacity to endure and adapt to life as independent entities. The use of "something" indicates an indefinable, intrinsic part of themselves that is holding onto hope and perhaps fear, waiting to see if survival and perhaps growth are possible in their new, solitary states.

In "Divorcing," Denise Levertov masterfully uses rich metaphors and imagery to convey the emotional complexity of separation. The poem delves into the intertwined nature of intimate relationships, the pain of severance, and the uncertain journey toward individual survival and identity. Through her nuanced language and profound insights, Levertov invites readers to reflect on the intricate dance of connection and independence, and the delicate balance between love's beauty and its inherent challenges.

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