In a literal sense the poem is exactly what its titled . It consists of an evening during winter on the streets of new york. However with the way Levertov describes the poem itself New york seems like more then a bustling industrial city. It appears magical, and widespread. Limitless like everything there is beautiful and wondrous. There is hope and a yearning and appreciation for life like when she hears two women talking and one says
"You know, I'm telling you, what I love best is life. I love life! Even if I ever get to be old and wheezy—or limp! You know?
Limping along?—I'd still ... " .
New York is always described as the place to make your dreams happen by books, movies, and the general media, and the way Levertov speaks of New York is as if it's limitless. The bustle of feet as stores close one more day ends and another is ready to begin. Stores close and people shuffle along trying to make it home or to any destination they might be needed however Levertov states herself it is as if the bodies aren't even there. Like everything blends into another there is no specifics of personal identity everything is grouped together. However despite Levertov's intention of making this seem like a hopeful poem especially when she ends with
"west sky, east sky: more life tonight! A range of open time at winter's outskirts."
I find this poem to be a tad bit depressing and lonely. It seems as if no one is important or special everything is clumped together with the way the footsteps and bodies are describes. It almost seems like rather then a vast chance of opportunities New York really only provides Isolation. Perhaps this poem means more then what Levertov wants the reader to believe?
