Partial Resemblance

By Denise Levertov 1923–1997 Denise Levertov

A doll's hair concealing

an eggshell skull delicately

throbbing, within which

maggots in voluptuous unrest

jostle and shrug. Oh, Eileen, my

big doll, your gold hair was

not more sunny than this

human fur, but

your head was

radiant in its emptiness,

a small clean room.

Her warm and rosy mouth

is telling lies—she would

believe them if she could believe:

her pretty eyes

search out corruption. Oh, Eileen

how kindly your silence was, and

what virtue

shone in the opening and shutting of your

ingenious blindness.

Denise Levertov, “Partial Resemblance” from Poems 1960-1967. Copyright © 1961 by Denise Levertov. Reprinted with the permission of New Directions Publishing Corporation, www.wwnorton.com/nd/welcome.htm.

Source: The Jacob's Ladder (1961)

Biography

During the course of a prolific career, Denise Levertov created a highly regarded body of poetry that reflects her beliefs as an artist and a humanist. Her work embraces a wide variety of genres and themes, including nature lyrics, love poems, protest poetry, and poetry inspired by her faith in God. "Dignity, reverence, and strength are words that come to mind as one gropes to characterize . . . one of America's most respected . . .

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