Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "Past III" is a reflective exploration of the tension between the present, the past, and the future. Through vivid imagery and contemplative language, Levertov examines the complexities of hope, the passage of time, and the deep yearning for a connection to the rich tapestry of history and memory.

The poem begins with the speaker's effort to focus on the present: "You try to keep the present / uppermost in your mind, counting its blessings (which today are many)." This conscious effort to remain grounded in the present highlights the speaker's awareness of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of appreciating the current moment. Despite the blessings of the present, the speaker acknowledges a persistent undercurrent of hope for the world, even though this hope may seem irrational to both the speaker and their more pessimistic friends.

Levertov captures the diminishing scope of personal aspirations: "your own hopes / have shrunk, options are less abundant." This sense of narrowing possibilities is contrasted with the past, where the speaker once found joy in imagining a daughter's name, contemplating the possibility of love, or aspiring to learn new skills. These "sparks of future" have faded into forgetfulness, overshadowed by the present's more immediate concerns.

Despite the beauty and richness of the present—described through the "fresh, ornate / blossoms of the simplest trees" with their "audacious white, flamingo pink"—the speaker feels a paradoxical longing for the past. This craving is not for a personal reliving of past experiences but for the collective depth and richness of history: "what you hanker after / is a compost, / a forest floor, thick, saturate, / fathoms deep, palimpsestuous." The term "palimpsestuous" suggests layers upon layers of history, each contributing to a dense, multifaceted whole.

The poem evokes a powerful sensory image of the past as a "mosaic of infinitely fragile, lacy, tenacious / skeleton leaves." This intricate and delicate depiction underscores the complexity and beauty of history, much like the forest floor composed of countless remnants of life. The speaker desires to connect with this profound sense of the past, where each element tells a story and contributes to a larger, enduring narrative.

The poem concludes with a poignant auditory image: "When you put your ear / to that odorous ground you can catch the unmusical, undefeated belling note, as of a wounded stag escaped triumphant, / of lives long gone." This sound, evocative of both triumph and suffering, symbolizes the persistent and resilient spirit of past lives and experiences. It reflects a deep, almost primal connection to the past, suggesting that these echoes of history continue to resonate and influence the present.

In summary, "Past III" by Denise Levertov is a deeply introspective poem that examines the interplay between the present, past, and future. Through rich imagery and thoughtful reflection, Levertov captures the speaker's struggle to balance an appreciation for the present with a profound yearning for the depth and richness of the past. The poem invites readers to consider their own relationship with time, memory, and the enduring impact of history on their lives.

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