'Looking, Walking, Being' by Denise Levertov


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"The World is not something to
look at, it is something to be in."

Mark Rudman

I look and look.
Looking's a way of being: one becomes,
sometimes, a pair of eyes walking.
Walking wherever looking takes one.

The eyes
dig and burrow into the world.
They touch
fanfare, howl, madrigal, clamor.
World and the past of it,
not only
visible present, solid and shadow
that looks at one looking.

And language? Rhythms
of echo and interruption?
That's
a way of breathing.

breathing to sustain
looking,
walking and looking,
through the world,
in it.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Looking, Walking, Being: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Denise Levertov's "Looking, Walking, Being" is a deeply contemplative poem that explores the nature of perception, self-awareness, and the human relationship to the natural world. With its vivid imagery, evocative language, and profound insights, it has become one of the most celebrated works of contemporary American poetry.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of "Looking, Walking, Being," and examine how they contribute to the poem's meaning and impact. We will also consider some of the critical responses to the poem, and reflect on its enduring relevance in our contemporary world.

Themes

At its core, "Looking, Walking, Being" is a poem about perception and consciousness. It invites us to consider how we experience the world around us, and how our perceptions shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Levertov's poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of perception. The first section, "Looking," focuses on the act of seeing and the relationship between the observer and the observed. The second section, "Walking," explores the ways in which movement and physical experience shape our perception of the world. The final section, "Being," delves into the nature of consciousness itself, and invites us to reflect on our own experience of being alive.

Imagery

One of the most striking features of "Looking, Walking, Being" is its use of vivid, evocative imagery. Levertov draws on a wide range of sensory experiences to create a rich, immersive world for the reader.

In the first section, "Looking," Levertov uses imagery drawn from the natural world to explore the act of seeing. She describes the "blue mist" of distant mountains, the "gleam" of sunlight on a river, and the "flash" of a bird's wings. These images invite us to contemplate the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and to consider our own relationship to it.

In the second section, "Walking," Levertov shifts her focus to the physical experience of movement. She describes the feeling of "air streaming through hair," the "soft earth" underfoot, and the "rhythmic beating" of the heart. These images convey a sense of vitality and energy, and invite us to reflect on the ways in which our physical experiences shape our perception of the world.

In the final section, "Being," Levertov uses a range of more abstract, philosophical images to explore the nature of consciousness. She describes the "deep pool" of the mind, the "unseen current" of thought, and the "vast expanse" of awareness. These images invite us to reflect on the complexity and mystery of human consciousness, and to consider our own place within it.

Language

Another key feature of "Looking, Walking, Being" is its use of language. Levertov's writing is characterized by a precise, lyrical style that emphasizes the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

Throughout the poem, Levertov uses a range of literary devices to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. She employs alliteration and repetition to create a musical quality to the poem. For example, in the first section, she writes:

Blue mist of hills,
white veil of mist
above the small lake
sharp scent of ferns
but close to the nose
a musky sweetness
rising from the ground.

Here, the repetition of "mist" and "scent" creates a sense of unity and coherence, while the alliteration of "blue" and "small" emphasizes the clarity and vividness of the images.

Levertov also makes use of metaphor and symbolism to convey deeper meanings. In the second section, for example, she describes the "flowing" of the river as a metaphor for the ebb and flow of life itself. She writes:

The river flows,
endlessly flowing,
and in the river
the reflections of clouds
and trees
flow just as
freely,
until the river
vanishes into
the sea,

Here, the river represents the passage of time and the impermanence of all things, while the reflections of clouds and trees represent the fleeting, transient nature of our experiences.

Critical Response

"Looking, Walking, Being" has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication in 1981. Many critics have praised the poem's evocative imagery, precise language, and profound insights into the nature of perception and consciousness.

Some critics have also noted the poem's spiritual and philosophical dimensions. Levertov was deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy and spirituality, and this is reflected in the poem's exploration of themes such as mindfulness, self-awareness, and the interconnectedness of all things.

However, some critics have also raised concerns about the poem's tendency towards abstraction and obscurity. They argue that Levertov's use of complex metaphors and abstract language can make the poem difficult to understand for some readers.

Conclusion

"Looking, Walking, Being" is a powerful and evocative poem that invites us to contemplate the nature of perception and consciousness. Through its vivid imagery, precise language, and profound insights, it offers a rich and immersive exploration of the human experience.

While some readers may find the poem challenging or obscure, its enduring relevance and resonance suggest that it remains an important work of contemporary poetry. As we navigate the complexities and uncertainties of our contemporary world, "Looking, Walking, Being" offers a powerful reminder of the beauty and mystery of the world around us, and the importance of remaining mindful and self-aware in our perceptions and experiences.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Looking, Walking, Being: A Poetic Journey of Self-Discovery

Denise Levertov’s poem “Looking, Walking, Being” is a powerful exploration of the human experience and the search for meaning and purpose in life. Through vivid imagery and introspective language, Levertov takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, inviting us to look deeply at the world around us, to walk with intention and awareness, and to embrace the present moment with all its complexities and contradictions.

The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the human experience. In the first section, “Looking,” Levertov encourages us to pay attention to the world around us, to see beyond the surface of things and to look deeply into the heart of the matter. She writes:

“Light cannot see inside things. That is what the dark is for: Minding the interior, Nurturing the draw of growth Through places where death In its own way turns into life.”

Here, Levertov is reminding us that there is more to life than what we can see on the surface. The darkness, which is often associated with fear and uncertainty, is actually a necessary part of the cycle of life. It is in the darkness that growth and transformation occur, and it is through this process that death is transformed into new life. By encouraging us to look beyond the surface of things, Levertov is inviting us to embrace the mystery and complexity of life, and to find meaning and purpose in the midst of it all.

In the second section, “Walking,” Levertov explores the idea of movement and change. She writes:

“Walking, I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.”

Here, Levertov is reminding us that we are not alone in our journey through life. We are connected to a long line of ancestors who have come before us, and their love and wisdom are still with us today. By walking with intention and awareness, we can tap into this collective wisdom and find guidance and support as we navigate the challenges of life.

Finally, in the third section, “Being,” Levertov encourages us to embrace the present moment with all its contradictions and complexities. She writes:

“Being, not doing, is my first joy. The second joy is being able to put The spoon down, knowing I can pick it up Again. The third joy is knowing There will be another meal.”

Here, Levertov is reminding us that life is not just about achieving goals and accomplishing tasks. It is about being fully present in the moment and embracing all that life has to offer, both the joys and the challenges. By letting go of our need to control and manipulate the world around us, we can find a deeper sense of peace and contentment in simply being.

Overall, “Looking, Walking, Being” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that invites us to explore the depths of our own experience and to find meaning and purpose in the midst of life’s complexities and contradictions. Through her vivid imagery and introspective language, Levertov reminds us that we are not alone in our journey through life, and that by embracing the mystery and complexity of life, we can find a deeper sense of peace and contentment in simply being.

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