Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "Dyptich" is a contemplative exploration of nature's silent, yet powerful presence, and the passage of time as reflected in the landscape. Comprising two sections, "Mysterious Movement" and "Midwinter," the poem contrasts the lake's relentless motion with the mountain's quiet resignation, creating a rich tapestry of imagery and emotion.

In "Mysterious Movement," Levertov begins by highlighting an almost paradoxical phenomenon: "Though no wind is blowing, the lake, / as if to reenact the remote day." The lake, typically still in the absence of wind, is described as if it possesses an internal force, pushing southward with an almost mythical determination. This image evokes a sense of the lake's history and its natural instincts, yearning to return to its origins as a river. The use of "reenact" suggests a deep, perhaps unconscious memory within the lake, as it attempts to relive its journey into the "long hollow of its bed."

The pressing movement of the lake "strongly, darkly" conveys a sense of inevitability and solemnity, emphasized by the setting sun and the year's end: "southward in fading light, this waning hour / near the close of the year." The imagery of fading light and the closing year underscores a theme of culmination and reflection. Despite the lake's efforts, it "can go no further," highlighting the tension between natural impulses and physical limitations.

The second section, "Midwinter," shifts the focus to the mountain, which is described with a sense of venerable tranquility. The opening lines, "A sky stained even at midmorning / with the water and blood of daybreak," introduce a somber yet beautiful image, capturing the lingering colors of dawn even as the day progresses. This metaphor of the sky being "stained" evokes a sense of permanence and transformation.

The mountain, described as "strangely approachable this winter day," suggests an unusual clarity or openness, inviting closer observation. This portrayal of the mountain as moving "forward into the middle distance" anthropomorphizes it, giving it a humble, almost human quality. The mountain's humility is further emphasized by its willingness to reveal its "valleys and dark seams of rock," analogous to a woman showing her age and vulnerabilities without shame.

Levertov's choice of words, such as "humbly" and "not trying to hide her loss of youth from the light," reinforces the theme of acceptance and the natural passage of time. The mountain's "snows are gray," a poignant image that suggests a gentle decline, the beauty of aged wisdom, and the inevitable fading of vitality.

Together, these two sections of "Dyptich" create a powerful meditation on nature and time. The lake's mysterious, almost desperate movement contrasts with the mountain's serene acceptance of its state. Levertov's language evokes a sense of reverence for the natural world, acknowledging both its enduring strength and its graceful surrender to time's effects.

Ultimately, "Dyptich" invites readers to reflect on their own relationship with nature and time, considering how natural elements mirror human experiences of striving, aging, and finding peace in inevitability. Through her vivid imagery and thoughtful contrasts, Levertov captures the essence of life's continuous yet unchanging cycles.

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