Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "For the Asking" delves into the nature of spiritual seeking and the transformative power of prayer. By drawing on the thoughts of Pascal and Augustine, Levertov explores how the act of desiring and asking for divine presence can expand the soul, making space for God and ultimately revealing the dynamic process of spiritual growth.

The poem begins with a quotation from Pascal: "'You would not seek Me if you did not already possess Me.'" This statement sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the very act of seeking God indicates an inherent presence of the divine within the seeker. It implies that the yearning for God is both a sign of and a path to deeper spiritual fulfillment.

Levertov then reflects on Augustine's metaphor of the soul as a cramped house. Augustine's prayer to "knock down the mean partitions" and "raise the oppressive ceilings" reflects his desire to make his soul more spacious and welcoming to God. This metaphor captures the struggle many people face in trying to make room for spirituality amidst the constraints and distractions of everyday life.

However, Levertov points out that Augustine's soul "didn't become a mansion large enough / to welcome, along with God, the women he'd loved, except for his mother." This line suggests that despite his efforts, Augustine's soul remained limited, unable to fully integrate all aspects of his life and relationships into his spiritual space. The mention of "one, perhaps, his son's mother, did remain to inhabit a small dark room" underscores the lingering presence of personal history and relationships that were not entirely reconciled within his spiritual quest.

Levertov then shifts to a broader understanding of prayer's effect on the soul. She writes, "desire / fulfilled itself in the asking, revealing prayer's dynamic action." This line emphasizes that the act of asking itself is a fulfillment of desire, highlighting the intrinsic power of prayer to transform and expand the soul. The comparison to water scooping out channels in stone and sediment forming sandstone illustrates the gradual, almost imperceptible process of spiritual growth and transformation that occurs through persistent prayer.

As the poem progresses, Levertov describes how "the walls, with each thought, each feeling, each word he set down, expanded, unnoticed; the roof rose, and a skylight opened." This imagery conveys the subtle yet profound changes that take place within the soul as a result of continuous prayer and reflection. The expansion of the walls and the rising roof symbolize an increasing capacity for spiritual insight and openness, while the opening of a skylight suggests a new perspective and a connection to the divine light.

In "For the Asking," Denise Levertov masterfully explores the themes of spiritual seeking, transformation, and the power of prayer. Through rich metaphors and references to Pascal and Augustine, she illustrates how the act of desiring and asking for divine presence can lead to profound changes within the soul. The poem highlights the gradual and dynamic nature of spiritual growth, suggesting that even the smallest acts of prayer and reflection can lead to significant expansions of understanding and capacity for the divine. Levertov's contemplation on the interplay between desire, prayer, and spiritual transformation invites readers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the subtle ways in which they grow and change over time.

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