Come into Animal Presence

Come into Animal Presence

By Denise Levertov 1923–1997 Denise Levertov
Come into animal presence.
No man is so guileless as
the serpent. The lonely white
rabbit on the roof is a star
twitching its ears at the rain.
The llama intricately
folding its hind legs to be seated
not disdains but mildly
disregards human approval.
What joy when the insouciant
armadillo glances at us and doesn't
quicken his trotting
across the track into the palm brush.

What is this joy? That no animal
falters, but knows what it must do?
That the snake has no blemish,
that the rabbit inspects his strange surroundings
in white star-silence? The llama
rests in dignity, the armadillo
has some intention to pursue in the palm-forest.
Those who were sacred have remained so,
holiness does not dissolve, it is a presence
of bronze, only the sight that saw it
faltered and turned from it.
An old joy returns in holy presence.

Denise Levertov, “Come into Animal Presence” from Poems 1960-1967. Copyright © 1961 by Denise Levertov. Reprinted by permission of New Directions Publishing Corporation.

Source: Poetry (April 1960).

back to top

MORE FROM THIS ISSUE

This poem originally appeared in the April 1960 issue of Poetry magazine

View this poem in its original format

April 1960

More about this poem

Denise Levertov

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 . . .

Continue reading this biography

back to top

Poems by Denise Levertov

back to top

Poem Categorization

SUBJECT Nature, Animals

SCHOOL / PERIOD Black Mountain

If you disagree with this poem's categorization, make a suggestion.

back to top

Related

Audio Articles

Report a problem with this poem


Your results will be limited to content that appeared in Poetry magazine.

Search Every Issue of Poetry

Originally appeared in Poetry magazine.

This poem has learning resources.

This poem is good for children.

This poem has related video.

This poem has related audio.