Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov’s poem "Inheritance" delves into the profound impact of a simple, tender act of kindness remembered even in old age. Through evocative imagery and deep emotional resonance, Levertov explores themes of memory, care, and the longing for comfort that transcends time.

The poem opens with the recollection of an elderly woman who, "even in her nineties," vividly remembers "the smooth hands of the village woman who sometimes came from down the street." This detailed memory underscores the lasting impact of small acts of kindness, emphasizing how deeply they can imprint on a person’s psyche. The village woman's hands, described as "smooth" and using "the softest of soft old flannel," evoke a sense of gentleness and meticulous care, highlighting the intimate and nurturing nature of the interaction.

Levertov contrasts this soothing image with the unsettling presence of the stepmother upstairs: "the stepmother lay abed bitterly sleeping, the uncorked opiate bottle wafting out sticky sweetness into a noontime dusk." The stepmother’s bitterness and the opiate's "sticky sweetness" create an atmosphere of neglect and artificial comfort, juxtaposed sharply against the genuine, tactile care provided by the village woman. This contrast serves to deepen the appreciation of the village woman's kindness, making it stand out more starkly against the backdrop of the stepmother's indifference.

The poem’s middle lines, "Those hands, that slow refreshment, were so kind," encapsulate the essence of the memory. The phrase "slow refreshment" suggests a deliberate, unhurried process of care, reinforcing the depth of the kindness being remembered. The sensory details—the softness of the flannel, the act of soaping, rinsing, and drying—are not merely physical actions but carry significant emotional weight, symbolizing care and love.

Levertov extends the memory's impact beyond the immediate experience to her own life: "I too, / another lifetime beyond them, shall carry towards my death their memory." This line suggests that the poet herself has inherited this memory of kindness, feeling its significance across generations. The act of remembering becomes a form of inheritance, passed down through the emotional resonance of the story.

The poem concludes with a poignant expression of gratitude and longing: "grateful, and longing / once again to feel them soothe me." The word "grateful" acknowledges the enduring impact of the village woman’s care, while "longing" conveys a deep, almost primal desire to re-experience that comfort. This duality of gratitude and longing encapsulates the human yearning for connection and the comforting touch that alleviates life's hardships, especially as one faces the end of life.

Structurally, the poem’s free verse allows for a natural flow of reflection and memory, mirroring the fluid nature of recollection. The lack of punctuation in some lines creates a seamless transition between thoughts, reinforcing the continuity of the memory over time. The imagery is rich and evocative, with the tactile descriptions of the village woman’s hands and the contrasting atmosphere of the stepmother's presence painting a vivid emotional landscape.

"Inheritance" is a powerful meditation on the enduring impact of kindness and the ways in which memories of care and comfort can be passed down through generations. Levertov’s attention to sensory detail and her ability to evoke deep emotional resonance make the poem a touching tribute to the small, yet significant, acts of kindness that shape our lives. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own memories of care and to recognize the profound and lasting influence these moments can have.

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