PoemHunter.com

memory by Lucille Clifton

7/20/2008 4:24:58 AM
Home Poets Poems Lyrics Quotations Music Forum Search Member Area Poetry E-Books Sites Mini Quiz
 

POEMS

LYRICS

MUSIC

QUOTATIONS

SEARCH

   
Lucille Clifton
   Poems  Quotations  Comments  More Info  Stats 

 
 
<< prev. poem Poems by Lucille Clifton: 14 / 34 next poem >>
  
 
memory
 
  ask me to tell how it feels
remembering your mother's face
turned to water under the white words
of the man at the shoe store. ask me,
though she tells it better than i do,
not because of her charm
but because it never happened
she says,
no bully salesman swaggering,
no rage, no shame, none of it
ever happened.
i only remember buying you
your first grown up shoes
she smiles. ask me
how it feels.

Lucille Clifton


Read poems about / on: remember, mother, water, memory, smile

User Rating:

8.3 /10
(10 votes)



 
Comments about this poem (memory by Lucille Clifton)  more comments >>
Click here to write your comments about this poem (memory by Lucille Clifton)
 
Anna Russell (12/20/2006 4:00:00 PM)
This poem takes my breath away. Such a gentle, subtle way of pointing out the injustices forced upon innocent people by the isms of others. She could have gone into full detail about the horrific things being said, but instead what shines out of this poem is a mother's love for her child and need to protect her. In the face of such ignorance, Clifton shows us humanity. For me, this is up there with 'If you prick us do we not bleed...'. Don't let the simplicity of the writing fool you - this poem matters.
Hugs
Anna xxx
People who read Lucille Clifton also read: Classic poets in PoemHunter.Com:

The complete list >>

Lyrics

The complete list >>

QuickPoll
Do you think it is easy to find the information on PoemHunter.com?
Yes
No

 Search in the World Poetry Database => 

 Search:   in:      tips
Hide the search box!

E-MAIL THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND - Found this page interesting? Recommend it to your friend! 
 Your E-mail:  
 Friend's Email:  
   
Your
Message:

 

(c) Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge..  About Us | Copyright notice | Privacy statement | Help
7/20/2008 4:24:59 AM. You Are Here: memory by Lucille Clifton

Home | Poets | Poems | Lyrics | Music | Quotations | Forum | Search | Random Poem | Free Poetry eBooks | Contests | Sites |
Submit a Poem | Manage Your Poems | Contact Us

Christmas Poems | Love Poems | Pablo Neruda | Death Poems | Sad Poems | Birthday Poems | Wedding Poems | Annabel Lee | Sorry Poems | Winter Poems