The Stream and the Sapphire: Selected Poems on Religious Themes

by Denise Levertov

Conceived as a convenience to those readers concerned with doubt and faith, Denise Levertov's 34 selected poems originally were published in seven separate volumes. The poet presents a selection of thirty-four of her own poems culled from previously published volumes, tracing her movement from agnosticism to Christian faith and her oscillation from doubt to affirmation along the way.

Genres: Poetry, Religion, Spirituality, Christian, Christianity, School, College

88 pages, Paperback

First published May 17, 1997

About the author

American poet Denise Levertov was born in Ilford, Essex, England. Her mother, Beatrice Spooner-Jones Levertoff, was Welsh. Her father, Paul Levertoff, from Germany migrated to England as a Russian Hassidic Jew, who, after converting to Christianity, became an Anglican parson. At the age of 12, she sent some of her poems to T. S. Eliot, who replied with a two-page letter of encouragement. In 1940, when she was 17, Levertov published her first poem.

During the Blitz, Levertov served in London as a civilian nurse. Her first book, The Double Image, was published six years later. In 1947 she married American writer Mitchell Goodman and moved with him to the United States in the following year. Although Levertov and Goodman would eventually divorce, they had a son, Nickolai, and lived mainly in New York City, summering in Maine. In 1955, she became a naturalized American citizen.

During the 1960s and 70s, Levertov became much more politically active in her life and work. As poetry editor for The Nation, she was able to support and publish the work of feminist and other leftist activist poets. The Vietnam War was an especially important focus of her poetry, which often tried to weave together the personal and political, as in her poem "The Sorrow Dance," which speaks of her sister's death. Also in response to the Vietnam War, Levertov joined the War Resister’s League.

Much of the latter part of Levertov’s life was spent in education. After moving to Massachusetts, Levertov taught at Brandeis University, MIT and Tufts University. On the West Coast, she had a part-time teaching stint at the University of Washington and for 11 years (1982-1993) held a full professorship at Stanford University. In 1984 she received a Litt. D. from Bates College. After retiring from teaching, she traveled for a year doing poetry readings in the U.S. and England.

In 1997, Denise Levertov died at the age of 74 from complications due to lymphoma. She was buried at Lake View Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.

Levertov wrote and published 20 books of poetry, criticism, translations. She also edited several anthologies. Among her many awards and honors, she received the Shelley Memorial Award, the Robert Frost Medal, the Lenore Marshall Prize, the Lannan Award, a grant from the National Institute of Arts and Letters, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Reviews

[Shankar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a converted Levertovian if that’s a thing.

———————————————————————
The Beginning of Wisdom

You have brought me so far

I know so much. Names verbs images. My mind
overflows, a drawer that can’t close.

Unscathed among the tortured. Ignorant parchment
Uninscribed, light strokes only, where a scribe
Tried out a pen.

I am so small, a speck of dust
Moving across the huge world. The world
A speck of dust in the universe

Are you holding
The universe ? You hold
Onto my smallness. How do you grasp it.

How does it not
Slip away

I know so little

You have brought me so far.
——————————————————————-

If she were here
Painting pictures with prose
Rearranging my mind
With her text that
Sings the images

[RG · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE: read it again, five years later. So interesting to see that the questions which so preoccupied my mind at that time have faded, while others have taken their place (team annotating-my-books forever!!). And so interesting to live into the poems in such different ways, for them to speak to such different parts of me now than they did then. Levertov is so cheeky, so precise, so contemplative. Her imagination’s one of my favorites.

—

This collection was my first of Levertov's and is an absolute delight; upon finishing it, I went through the table of contents to mark my absolute favorite poems, and came up with 12 out of the total 38--quite the solid ratio, in my mind. The most favored of the twelve* are likely "Agnus Dei," "Flickering Mind," "Suspended," "To Live in the Mercy of God," "On a Theme from Julian's Chapter XX," and "St. Thomas Didymus." That last, oh, how absolutely marvelous it is; it's perfectly placed as the penultimate entry in the collection.

None of Levertov's poems are overlong; she packs plenty of meaning into those words she doesn't mince (i.e. all of them). One quality I really admire about the poems in this collection (and I'd imagine in Levertov's œuvre more broadly) is their air of imaginative, Spirit-led contemplation. It's almost like we're inside Levertov's imagination with her, considering and reconsidering scenes from Christian history as well as experiences common to us all. As such, I found them great poems for spiritual reflection, and I don't think they'd be out of place during personal devotional time. I dig her view of Christ, especially in "On a Theme from Julian's Chapter XX" and "Ikon: The Harrowing of Hell."

One of my favorite takeaways from the collection--Levertov is not one of those poets who only deigns to appreciate the physical world in its rare, picturesque moments of transcendence; rather, she explores everything from sheep manure to littered beaches to little seeds of grain and seems genuinely content in doing so. I love that sort of poetry, because it (along with the Spirit) enchants our surroundings, shows how every moment can be holy. Grateful to have gotten this collection under the Christmas tree and I'm looking forward to reading some more Levertov in future!

*I'm sure Jesus didn't pick favorites, but I sure am in this review. :)

[Mary Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely book stole my breath away, climbing from pinnacle to pinnacle in one slim volume. Levertov is a wonder.

[Lanie Walkup · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but stunning collection of poems. I look forward to revisiting them over and over.

[Alex Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this is what I call good religious poetry.

Levertov probes the depths of Christianity: exploring human fickleness when it comes to God ("Flickering Mind") and God's steadiness ("To Live in the Mercy of God"). There's a gorgeous poem about Brother Lawrence and his way of practicing the presence. The most life-affirming ones to me were the poems at the end of the collection where Levertov wrestles with the actual text of the Bible. She argues why Jesus praying to take the cup from him is the most human and painful part of the resurrection and muses on the image of the cursed fig tree (one that has given me a lot of pause!).

Overall, these poems are the stuff I'm always looking for: objectively good poetry, orthodox while still growing my faith, speaking to the actual wrestles I have.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here, using her mastery of the written word (i.e., her beautiful, detailed--and often exotic imagery and fluid rhythms--plus her renowned "organic" poetry forms, Denise Levertov recreates scenes from the life of Jesus Christ (including his Resurrection). In one of these stunning poems, she speaks in the persona of "Doubting Thomas," the cynical Apostle--and adds another dimension to the renowned biblical story.

And not once does she "preach."

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of poems on spiritual (in this case Christian) themes culled from seven of Denise Levertov's previously published collections. Exquisite poems sparkling with spiritual light and insight.

[Peycho Kanev · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘I learned that her name was Proverb.’

And the secret names
of all we meet who lead us deeper
into our labyrinth
of valleys and mountains, twisting valleys
and steeper mountains—
their hidden names are always,
like Proverb, promises:
Rune, Omen, Fable, Parable,
those we meet for only
one crucial moment, gaze to gaze,
or for years know and don’t recognize
but of whom later a word
sings back to us
as if from high among leaves,
still near but beyond sight
drawing us from tree to tree
towards the time and the unknown place
where we shall know
what it is to arrive.

Candlemas

With certitude
Simeon opened
ancient arms
to infant light.
Decades
before the cross, the tomb
and the new life,
he knew
new life.
What depth
of faith he drew on,
turning illumined
towards deep night.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift and read it slowly - normally one poem per day before sitting with Celtic Daily Prayer and Ignatian Book of Days. I found these poems a perfect companion for prayer.

In some ways, these poems reminded me of Mary Oliver because they read like prayers, musings, invitations to ponder alongside the poet. But Levertov’s poetry is more explicitly Christian and I loved that she contemplated specific passages of scripture and historic Christians.

My favorite poem was “What the Figtree Said” but I also loved “St. Thomas Didymus,” “Annunciation” and “Conversion of Brother Lawrence.”

If you enjoy small little sips of poetry, this slim volume is a well with more depth than you might expect from 86 pages.

[Caroline Liberatore-Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorites:
Of Being
The Avowal
Angus Dei
Flickering Mind
Psalm Fragments
Altars
Primary Wonder
In Whom We Live

[Timothy Hoiland · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We must feel
the pulse in the wound
to believe
that ‘with God
all things
are possible,’
taste
bread at Emmaus
that warm hands
broke and blessed.”

[McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

I think this represents a lot of how I feel about religion. While I don't think I necessarily share Levertov's specific viewpoints on religion, her poetry spoke to me in a way that made me feel seen in some capacity.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for one of my college seminars. . . Levertov is an impressive and moving poem. Much more personal and relatable than Merton or Milosz were; but at the same time, she doesn't try to explain any point of faith. The power of her writing lies in the fact that reader can understand immediately what her faith means and come to a stronger faith themselves-- the reader and author can fully understand each other-- but the author never really explains much. Sometimes, a single word is enough for her whole meaning.

[Aris Slabaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorites: Candlemas, Flickering Mind, On the Mystery of the Incarnation, Psalm Fragments, Primary Wonder, The Servant-Girl at Emmaus, Annunciation, On Belief in the Physical Resurrection of Jesus

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
An utterly lovely collection of Levertov's poetry on spiritual themes.
Levertov's imagery opens my eyes to the color and texture of overly familiar accounts from Scripture, including Simeon's blessing, Jesus on the Cross, "doubting" Thomas and many other well-known Bible stories.
I particularly love Annunciation for it's honest humility and wonder, contemplating the courage of an ordinary teenaged girl.
"What the Figtree Saw" illuminated that strange Gospel story in a way that finally made sense to me!
And, inspired by Julian's quote, "Every sorrow and desolation He saw, and sorrowed in kinship," Levertov wrote an utterly heart-rending reflection of what Jesus experienced and accomplished on the Cross.
Levertov has a way of speaking Truth based on Scripture, which transports me into a more three-dimensional, textured experience of it.
I am grateful for this little volume and will return to it again!

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only come upon the poetry of Denise Levertov as of late. As she writes on the back cover, her intention of this collection was "to some extent trace my slow movement from agnosticism to Christian faith, a movement incorporating much of doubt and questioning as well as affirmation." I appreciate her mastery of word and image when it comes to poetically elucidate the various topics of this selection. There is a mystic's touch to her poetry, which resonates with this reader. While it is a short read of only 86 pages, I will be revisiting this collection again soon.

[Patch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot to wear my earring and realized I'd unintentionally made it into a luck charm and without i was certain I would die. I read this and took the poem annunciatón, my favorite, and put it in the piercing hole as a replacement. it remains to be seen if it's working, but it did make me overwhelmed with guilt over committing an act of violence like that. and to a poem that has already been done violence by being removed from its context and put into a compilation. then I started to think maybe everything I do has an undercurrent of violence. still not sure about poetry in general.

[Gerry Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally and gratefully I have discovered Levertov. Thank you God.

I shared several of these poems at a poetry reading today and they were well received. It is pleasant to have my choices affirmed, but they would work equally well as secret pleasures.

I adore Levertov.
But will tell you no more
So that the adventure of discovery can also be yours.

I sent you that first taste of revealed divinity contained on these pages.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stream and the Sapphire collection is arranged as a journey. For me the first section of the journey tested my commitment, but once I reached the halfway point, I was hooked. This book didn't quite turn me into a Denise Levertov fan, but I was impressed by writing and several poems here worth a revisit.

[Liz Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking through a garden in Seattle, my husband took out a pen and paper and wrote down a poem carved into a rock. This was my introduction to Denise Levertov. I read this as part of my Lenten readings. To quote the author, it is my way to "practice the presence of God". She is a major poet.

[The Wanderer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read poetry, but a pastor cited one of Levertov's poems in a sermon and I decided that I should start. Some of these poems flew past me. Some of them made me cry.

But a book called "The Stream and the Sapphire" really ought to have a BLUE cover.

[raysilverwoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slim book of religious meditations that are perfect for drowsy morning or evening reading. Levertov’s awestruck tone is a nourishing and instructive reminder for those of us on the Christian walk, wherever we are on that walk.

[Rona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not the right audience for this book. Her work references Christian writers and Biblical characters I barely know.

Despite that, this is a great collection for the right audience. Ms Levertov’s work is among the best of her generation..

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is some really good poetry.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these poems. They were so amazing and poignant. I really enjoyed the themes Levertov explored as well.

[Raima Larter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this on my shelf for ages and only now read it. Great collection of poems of varied types, but all on a religious (largely Christian) theme.

[Johanna Florez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Incredible poems on doubt and faith.

[John-Francis Friendship · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, inspiring poems whch touch into areas of faith and life with eloquence and insight.

[Andrew Bunkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among the best bedside books, some of my favorites

[catarina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not for me. It also had one too many spelling errors for my liking.