Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "Freeing of the Dust" is a rich and evocative poem that explores themes of liberation, transformation, and the interplay between the ethereal and the earthly. Using imagery drawn from mythology and nature, Levertov crafts a narrative that calls for the release of what is bound and the blessing of what is often seen as base or unrefined.

The poem begins with a command to "Unwrap the dust from its mummycloths." This opening line suggests a liberation from confinement and the uncovering of something ancient and forgotten. The "mummycloths" evoke images of preservation and death, hinting at a past that needs to be released to allow for renewal and growth.

Levertov then invokes characters from Shakespeare's *The Tempest*, urging, "Let Ariel learn a blessing for Caliban / and Caliban drink dew from the lotus open upon the waters." Ariel and Caliban represent opposing forces in the play—Ariel as the airy spirit of light and freedom, and Caliban as the earthy, oppressed being. By suggesting that Ariel bless Caliban, Levertov calls for a reconciliation and harmony between these two elements. The lotus, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, offers Caliban a transformative drink, signifying the possibility of redemption and spiritual awakening.

The poem contrasts the "Bitter the slow river water" with the "dew [that] shall wet his lips with light." This juxtaposition emphasizes the transformative power of the dew, a symbol of purity and renewal, against the bitterness of stagnant water. The act of drinking dew from the lotus suggests a cleansing and enlightening experience, one that elevates Caliban from his previous state.

Levertov continues with the imagery of dust, stating, "Let the dust float, the wrappings too are dust." This line reiterates the theme of liberation, as the dust, once bound, is now free to drift. The poem reflects on the nature of dust, describing it as "ashes of what had lived, or seeds of ancient sesame, or namelessly / pure dust that is all in all." These lines contemplate the cyclical nature of existence—dust as both the remains of the past and the potential for new life, embodying purity and universality.

The invocation to "Bless, / weightless Spirit" calls for a spiritual acknowledgment and sanctification of this process. The final command to Caliban, "Drink, Caliban, push your tongue heavy into the calyx," reinforces the act of transformation and the embrace of enlightenment. The calyx, part of the flower that protects the petals, symbolizes the protective and nurturing aspect of this transformative journey.

In summary, "Freeing of the Dust" by Denise Levertov is a contemplative and symbolic poem that delves into themes of liberation, transformation, and the synthesis of opposing forces. Through its rich imagery and mythological references, the poem calls for a reconciliation between the ethereal and the earthly, the pure and the base. Levertov's narrative invites readers to reflect on the cyclical nature of existence and the potential for renewal and enlightenment inherent in the process of freeing what is bound.

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