Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "Voyage" is a lyrical and contemplative poem that captures the essence of a journey, both physical and spiritual. Through vivid imagery and the interplay of natural elements, the poem explores themes of celebration, shared experience, and the transient nature of life and its moments of joy.

The poem opens with an image of "Fluttering strips of paper strung on cord tied to the ship's rail," immediately evoking a sense of movement and the ephemeral. These strips of paper, each inscribed with observations and exclamations about the sea, serve as both physical artifacts and metaphors for fleeting moments of beauty and insight.

The inscriptions on the paper strips are simple yet profound: "'How deep the waves' blue!' / 'How bright the foam!' / 'Wind and light sparkle together!' / 'How the sea's plumage preens itself!'" These lines celebrate the natural world, capturing the interplay of color, light, and motion. The use of exclamatory phrases conveys a sense of wonder and delight, emphasizing that these are not mere observations but expressions of deep appreciation and joy.

Levertov identifies these inscriptions as prayers: "These are prayers. / To celebrate, not to beseech." This distinction is crucial, as it shifts the focus from asking for something to expressing gratitude and reverence for what already exists. The act of celebrating rather than beseeching underscores a sense of presence and acceptance, a recognition of the beauty and abundance in the moment.

The poem then moves to the collective experience of the voyagers: "Among them, leaning / toward the water, we voyage, are voyaged, seeing." This line blurs the distinction between the travelers and their journey, suggesting that they are both active participants and passive recipients in the voyage. The phrase "we voyage, are voyaged" captures this duality, emphasizing the interconnectedness of action and experience.

As the voyagers share "the depth of day," they are "borne through it / swiftly as arcs of spray." This imagery conveys the swift passage of time and the dynamic nature of their journey. The salt that "glitters on our lips, on ruffled paper" serves as a tangible reminder of their connection to the sea and each other. The salt, a product of the sea, symbolizes the essence of their shared experience, leaving a lingering taste of the journey.

Levertov acknowledges the transient nature of these moments: "Soon / the words will fly on their torn strips beyond vision." This line captures the fleeting quality of their observations and prayers, suggesting that, like the strips of paper, these moments of beauty and joy will eventually be carried away by the wind. The act of letting go is implicit in this imagery, underscoring the inevitability of change and the impermanence of even the most profound experiences.

In the final lines, the voyagers are described as "Silent, smiling, receiving / joyfully what we are given." This serene acceptance and gratitude highlight a deep sense of presence and contentment. The poem concludes with the affirmation of "utter[ing] each to each our absolute presence," emphasizing the importance of being fully present and connected with one another in the moment.

In summary, Denise Levertov's "Voyage" is a beautifully crafted poem that celebrates the transient yet profound nature of human experience. Through its vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poem invites readers to appreciate the beauty and joy found in the present moment, to recognize the fleeting nature of life, and to cherish the connections we share with others on our journeys.

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