Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Levine's "The Secret" is a contemplative and poignant exploration of loss, memory, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of a loved one's death. Through the use of rich imagery and a reflective narrative, Levine delves into the themes of absence, the passage of time, and the ineffable nature of personal secrets that remain beyond the reach of those left behind.

The poem begins with a serene yet somber scene, where the sea transitions from blue to black and a "chemical dusk" colors the western sky. This imagery sets a tone of transition and darkness, mirroring the emotional journey the speaker undergoes as they grapple with the loss of a loved one. The earth's sigh as it begins "the old voyage toward morning" suggests a cyclical return to light, juxtaposing the personal darkness the speaker feels.

In the speaker's backyard, a small garden plot marked by forget-me-nots, lobelias, and a lilac becomes a focal point of reflection. The presence of two surviving quail under a gnarled orange tree adds a layer of life and continuity amidst the contemplation of death. These natural elements serve as reminders of the living world, even as the speaker recalls the burial of the loved one.

The act of digging the resting place and the subsequent burial, described as dropping "dust, dirt, ashes, nothing into the hole," conveys the emptiness and finality of the act. The speaker's realization that the loved one is not present in the tangible aspects of the world—the haze, the evening breeze, the blackened loam, the sky, or even the speaker's own words—emphasizes the profound absence they feel.

Levine highlights the idea that the true essence of the loved one, their "secret," was something they never fully revealed. Despite giving away hours, days, and years, the core of their being remains hidden and untouchable. This secret, now sealed with their passing, remains safe and untarnished by the world's attempts to uncover it.

As the earth turns toward darkness, the poem reflects on the indifferent passage of time and the cosmic perspective. The watching stars and the moon, with its distant power, continue their journey through the night, indifferent to human grief. The sea, a symbol of vastness and mystery, finds a temporary calm in a safe haven, paralleling the speaker's search for solace in the face of loss.

The final lines of the poem bring a sense of unity and acceptance. The quail, now quiet, symbolize a return to peace and stillness. The speaker acknowledges a shared existence with the departed loved one, "sharing whatever you are as blindness descends." This blindness represents both the literal nightfall and the metaphorical inability to fully grasp the loved one's inner life and secrets.

Levine's "The Secret" masterfully captures the complexities of mourning and the enduring mystery of human existence. Through vivid imagery and a deeply personal narrative, the poem explores how the presence of the departed continues to influence and shape the lives of those left behind. The acknowledgment of the loved one's secret, now forever safe, adds a poignant layer to the meditation on loss, emphasizing the unique and unknowable aspects of each individual's inner world.

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