Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's poem "From Below" beautifully captures the wonder and humility of observing the natural world from a grounded perspective. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Levertov explores themes of childhood, curiosity, and the connection between human experiences and the natural environment.

The poem opens with the speaker moving "among the ankles of forest Elders," an evocative phrase that personifies the towering trees as venerable beings. This description immediately places the speaker in a position of humility and reverence, acknowledging the trees' ancient presence and wisdom. The imagery of "moist rugs of moss" and "duff of their soft brown carpets" creates a rich, tactile sense of the forest floor, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the natural setting.

Levertov contrasts the grounded perspective of the speaker with the lofty heights of the trees: "Far above, their arms are held open wide to each other, or waving." This depiction of the trees' branches as arms suggests a sense of community and communication among the trees, a world that is "unknown to me." The speaker likens this to the experience of infancy, wandering "into a roofed clearing amidst human feet and legs and the massive carved legs of the table." This comparison highlights the speaker's sense of being small and detached from the broader, more complex interactions happening above and around.

The poem delves into the speaker's childhood memories, recalling how the "minds of people" were as remote and mysterious as "the minds of trees." This parallel draws a poignant connection between the speaker's early experiences and their current observations in the forest. The speaker's attention, both as a child and now, is "filled with sensations"—a focus on the immediate and tangible details of their surroundings. The repetition of "my attention" underscores the continuity of the speaker's curiosity and sensory engagement with the world.

Despite being engrossed in the details at eye level, the speaker occasionally finds their gaze drawn upward: "sometimes drawn to upgazing-up and up: to wonder about what rises / so far above me into the light." This upward gaze symbolizes a longing to understand the greater mysteries and complexities that lie beyond immediate perception. It reflects a natural human inclination to seek knowledge and connection with the broader world, both seen and unseen.

Levertov's use of free verse allows the poem to flow organically, mirroring the speaker's meandering thoughts and observations. The lack of a rigid structure enhances the sense of exploration and discovery, capturing the spontaneous nature of the speaker's reflections.

In "From Below," Denise Levertov masterfully weaves together themes of childhood wonder, natural observation, and the quest for understanding. Through her evocative imagery and introspective tone, she invites readers to consider the beauty and mystery of the world from a grounded perspective. The poem celebrates the act of looking up and wondering, acknowledging the limitations of our knowledge while embracing the curiosity that drives us to seek more. Levertov's meditation on the interplay between the immediate and the distant, the known and the unknown, resonates with a profound sense of humility and awe.

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