Needle in the Air

Summary

The web content is a tribute to poet Denise Levertov, reflecting on the craft of writing and the influence of Levertov's work and legacy.

Abstract

The article titled "Needle in the Air" is dedicated to the late poet Denise Levertov (1923–1997) and opens with an image of a musician, used as a metaphor to illustrate the seamless execution of a craft once mastered. It draws parallels between the dedication of musicians and craftsmen to that of a writer, emphasizing the physical and mental investment required to hone one's skill. The author, Karen DeGroot Carter, shares her personal experience of writing a poem in 1998, inspired by Levertov's ancestry and philosophical musings. Carter describes the writing process as a series of linguistic leaps, leading to a state of 'becoming' that is both entrancing and fulfilling. The article concludes with a nod to a recent piece on Levertov's politics, acknowledging the poet's impact on Carter's own work and the broader literary community.

Opinions

The author, Karen DeGroot Carter, admires the dedication and mastery of craftsmen and musicians, likening it to the discipline required in writing.
Carter expresses a deep respect for Denise Levertov, suggesting that Levertov's reflections on life and art have profoundly influenced her own approach to writing.
The process of writing is portrayed as a transformative journey, filled with challenges and moments of inspiration, which the author finds both exhausting and exhilarating.
There is an appreciation for the continuous learning and application of skills in the art of writing, with a recognition that only through action—writing—can a poet create something meaningful.
The author acknowledges the enduring relevance of Levertov's work, indicating that her legacy continues to inspire and guide new generations of writers.

To Denise Levertov (1923–1997)

So becoming, potential realized. The musician’s scaled memory frees the hands, brain, breathing to invest each challenge.

And craftsmen, yes, fingers and faces doused with dust, bend to breaking, intent on perfection. Directives drive.

So I write, having read of your illustrious ancestors, your reflections beyond the end, breathless from the process, the leaps of language that lead from here to there to, perhaps, somewhere. Meanderings mesmerize.

So much to learn, distill, apply. Graceful energy and gritted teeth contribute, but don’t do. Only the hands, the brain, the breathing create. This you knew; this you passed on. The end entices; becoming enthralls.

Author of the novel One Sister’s Song, I also write poetry, essays, and articles when I’m not at my day job — or reading.