Born on this day October 24, 1923, Denise Levertov, an acclaimed poet and recipient of the prestigious Robert Frost Medal, was celebrated for her profound reflections on themes of life, love, and social justice. Her poetry, characterized by a deep-rooted sense of empathy and observation, has made a lasting impression on the landscape of modern literature.
Born in England, Levertov developed a unique voice that married her British roots with her adopted American homeland. Her poetry, much like her life, was a journey of exploration and discovery, traversing through the complexities of human existence. Levertov was not merely a poet, but a powerful conveyor of the human experience. Her work was not restricted to personal reflections but extended to larger societal issues, positioning her as an advocate for social justice.
Her poems often reflected her strong political consciousness and activism. She used her craft to voice concerns about war, environmental degradation, and other pressing social issues of her time. However, Levertov’s poetry was not only about chronicling societal turmoil; it was also a celebration of love and life. Her verses encapsulate the joys and sorrows of human relationships with remarkable sensitivity.
The Robert Frost Medal-winning poet’s body of work is notable for its stylistic diversity and thematic richness. Denise Levertov’s poetry serves as a source of inspiration for readers and aspiring poets alike. Her remarkable ability to weave profound reflections into the fabric of her poetry has made her one of the most respected figures in contemporary literature.
Denise Levertov’s poetry is a thought-provoking exploration of life, love, and social justice. Her poems resonate with readers due to their emotional depth and intellectual rigor. The poet’s enduring legacy lies in her ability to inspire reflection and dialogue through her works.
Pleasures
I like to find
what’s not found
at once, but lies
within something of another nature,
in repose, distinct.
Gull feathers of glass, hidden
in white pulp: the bones of squid
which I pull out and lay
blade by blade on the draining board—
tapered as if for swiftness, to pierce
the heart, but fragile, substance
belying design. Or a fruit, mamey,
cased in rough brown peel, the flesh
rose-amber, and the seed:
the seed a stone of wood, carved and
polished, walnut-colored, formed
like a brazilnut, but large,
large enough to fill
the hungry palm of a hand.
I like the juicy stem of grass that grows
within the coarser leaf folded round,
and the butteryellow glow
in the narrow flute from which the morning-glory
opens blue and cool on a hot morning.
-Denise Levertov, from Collected Earlier Poems 1940-1960
Curated by Jennifer
