The Stream and the Sapphire
A Review
Born in 1923 in Essex, England, Denise Levertov grew up in a family of Russian Jewish descent. She began writing poetry at a young age and published her first collection, "The Double Image," in 1946. Over the course of her career, she published numerous collections of poetry, as well as essays and translations. She was also a prominent figure in the American poetry scene, known for her activism and her commitment to social justice.
The Stream and the Sapphire is a curated selection of poems from seven separate volumes. The collection is divided into four parts, each of which explores a different aspect of Levertov's spiritual journey. The poems move from a place of agnosticism and doubt to one of Christian faith, incorporating historical personages, biblical events, and personal reflections along the way.
In the forward to the collection, Levertov explains that she was motivated to create this selection by the demands of readers who wanted a compact, thematic grouping of her poems. She acknowledges that she is not a fan of segregating poems, but recognizes the value of having a focused collection that can be easily accessed and shared.
Throughout the collection, the poems are characterized by their lyricism, depth, and nuance. The poet writes about faith and doubt with equal candor, exploring the complexities and contradictions of the human experience. The poems are also notable for their use of imagery and symbolism, which adds depth and richness to her spiritual explorations.
One of the key achievements of The Stream and the Sapphire is its ability to balance the personal and the universal. Levertov's poems are deeply rooted in her own experiences and struggles, but they also speak to broader human concerns and aspirations.
Levertov writes in the forward that she wants to provide a convenient and focused selection of poems that can be used by readers who are interested in exploring themes of faith and doubt. She also acknowledges that she is taking a risk by sharing her own spiritual journey in such a public way, but she hopes that her poems will provide a sense of companionship and solidarity for readers who are on their own spiritual paths.
The Stream and the Sapphire is a collection that will resonate with readers who are interested in spirituality, faith, and personal growth, as well as those who simply appreciate beautiful and thought-provoking poetry.