Memory Poem by Lucille Clifton

Memory

Rating: 3.4


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.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Scott Federman 23 October 2016

I read it several times. What a great way to see the good outcome and not focus on what had to be endured. This for me is the reason for poetry. Thanks- - - - - - -

2 5 Reply
Colleen Courtney 15 May 2014

Such a beautifully told tale of a mother protecting her child from the meanness and csllousness of ignorant others. Simply gorgeous poem and adding to my favorites.

4 5 Reply
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Lucille Clifton

Lucille Clifton

Baltimore, Maryland
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