Breathing the Water

The collection was written by the acclaimed American poet Denise Levertov. It was officially published in 1987 during the later period of her long literary career.

The poems in this collection offer mature, deep reflections on spirituality, human ecology, and the search for inner peace. Levertov frequently blends vivid observations of the natural world with her profound religious inquiries.

This collection marks a period where Levertov's political activism, prominent in her earlier works, became deeply intertwined with her exploration of Catholic mysticism. It highlights her evolution into a poet capable of synthesizing ecological concern with profound spiritual devotion.

Levertov utilizes a lyrical, observant style characterized by short, precise lines that encourage the reader to pause and reflect. Her imagery draws heavily from the natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, reflecting her surroundings at the time.