The main topic of both poems written by Denise Levertov is war, however said theme is portrayed in a unique way.
In 'Life At War', Levertov depicts war as the most terrible event to ever take place. Her choice of wording the poem really creates an impact, the poem begins with 'disasters numb within us' implying she feels powerless and a slave to situation, throughout the poem she uses glum phrases such as 'lumps of raw daugh' and 'formless lumps'.
However in 'Overheard Over S.E Asia' the tone of the poem is bright and the situation is portrayed in a lighter manner. She uses phrases such as 'rich seas', 'bamboo thickets' and 'whisper of sequins' all of these awake feelings of peace with the word.
Hope this helps!