Denise Levertov's poem "A Time Past" reflects on the passage of time and the way that memories and experiences from the past shape our present and future selves. The poem is structured as a series of reflections and observations, beginning with the speaker's recollection of a specific moment in the past and gradually expanding to encompass a broader understanding of the relationship between the past and the present.
The poem begins with the speaker recalling a moment from their childhood, when they were "so small" and "all the world was new." This recollection is presented in vivid detail, with the speaker describing the sights, sounds, and sensations of this moment with great clarity. This detail serves to bring the past moment to life for the reader, helping them to feel as though they are experiencing the moment alongside the speaker.
As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the way that this moment from the past has stayed with them, shaping their understanding of the world and themselves. They describe how "the memory of that time past / has lived on in me," shaping their perspective and informing their actions in the present. This idea is further developed through the use of imagery and metaphor, as the speaker compares the influence of the past to "ripples on a pond," suggesting that the effects of our experiences and memories extend far beyond the moments in which they occurred.
The speaker also reflects on the idea that the past is always present with us, even as we move forward in time. They describe how "the past is always here / in what we do and say," suggesting that our actions and words are always shaped by the experiences and memories that we carry with us. This idea is further emphasized through the use of repetition, as the phrase "a time past" is repeated throughout the poem, reminding the reader that the past is always present and shaping our present selves.
Overall, Levertov's poem "A Time Past" offers a poignant reflection on the way that the past shapes our present and future selves. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflection, the speaker invites the reader to consider the lasting influence of their own experiences and memories, and the way that these shape their understanding of the world around them.