PoemAware
Author / PoetDenise Levertov
TagsWhispers

When I found the door
I found the vine leaves
speaking among themselves in abundant
whispers.
My presence made them
hush their green breath,
embarrassed, the way
humans stand up, buttoning their jackets,
acting as if they were leaving anyway, as if
the conversation had ended
just before you arrived.
I liked
the glimpse I had, though,
of their obscure
gestures. I liked the sound
of such private voices. Next time
I’ll move like cautious sunlight, open
the door by fractions, eavesdrop
peacefully.

Denise Levertov
Denise Levertov
24 Oct 1923 - 20 Dec 1997
Region: Central America
Period: Contemporary
Movement: Confessional, New American Poetry
Awards: National Book Award, The Robert Frost Medal

more poems by Denise Levertov

Poem NameTopic
In MindContrast, Imagination, Innocence
Wedding-RingDivorce, Loss, Memory
The WellDreaming, Moonlight, Transformation
The ThreadGently, Pulling, Silently
The QuestDream, Love, Pursuit
The MutesFemale, Grief-Language, Groans
The BreathingFog, Nature, Patience
The AvowalEmbrace, Float, Freefall
The Ache Of MarriageCommunion, Joy, Leviathan
Seeing For A MomentCocoon, Eschatology, Wings

all poems by Denise Levertov

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