When it comes to poetry, there are few things more beautiful than a piece that touches the heart and inspires us to be better people. One such poem is "To Give It Away" by Denise Levertov. This poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of love, generosity, and selflessness in our lives. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this beautiful poem.
The Poem: To Give It Away
"To Give It Away" is a poem about generosity and love. It speaks to the idea that the more we give of ourselves, the more we receive in return. The poem begins with the lines, "What if no one's watching / what if when we're dead / we're just dead?" These lines set the tone for the poem, reminding us that our actions in life should not be based on what others think, but on what is truly important.
The poem then goes on to describe the act of giving, stating that "to give is to love." It speaks to the idea that giving is not just about material possessions, but about giving of ourselves – our time, our energy, and our love. The poem suggests that when we give, we receive something in return – not necessarily material goods, but something much more valuable.
The Significance of the Poem
"To Give It Away" is a poem that speaks to the very essence of what it means to be human. We are social creatures, and our connections with others are what give our lives meaning and purpose. This poem reminds us that when we give of ourselves, we are creating those connections and strengthening those relationships.
The poem is also a reminder of the importance of generosity. In a world that often values material possessions above all else, this poem speaks to the idea that there is something much more valuable than money or things – the love and connection that we share with others.
The Language and Structure of the Poem
The language of "To Give It Away" is simple and straightforward, yet powerful in its message. The poem is structured in short, concise lines that make it easy to read and understand. The use of repetition throughout the poem – particularly the repetition of the phrase "to give is to love" – reinforces the central message of the poem and makes it more memorable.
The poem also makes use of metaphors and imagery to drive home its message. For example, the line "a gift possesses / the giver" suggests that when we give, we receive something in return – not necessarily a material gift, but something much more valuable.
The Importance of Love and Generosity
"To Give It Away" is a powerful reminder of the importance of love and generosity in our lives. It reminds us that the more we give of ourselves, the more we receive in return – not just in material goods, but in the love and connection that we share with others.
Love and generosity are two of the most important qualities that we can cultivate in ourselves. They allow us to connect with others on a deep level and to create meaningful relationships that give our lives purpose and meaning. When we give freely of ourselves, we are creating a world that is more compassionate, more connected, and more loving.
The Takeaway
"To Give It Away" is a beautiful poem that reminds us of the importance of love, generosity, and selflessness in our lives. It speaks to the very essence of what it means to be human – our connections with others, our capacity for love and compassion, and our desire to make the world a better place.
As we go about our lives, let us remember the message of this beautiful poem. Let us give freely of ourselves, love deeply, and cultivate generosity in all that we do. For in doing so, we not only enrich our own lives, but we create a world that is more loving, more compassionate, and more connected.