Lorena Poem by Lucille Clifton
Lorena
it lay in my palm soft and trembled
as a new bird and i thought about
authority and how it always insisted
on itself, how it was master
of the man, how it measured him, never
was ignored or denied, and how it promised
there would be sweetness if it was obeyed
just like the saints do, like the angels
and i opened the window and held out my
uncupped hand; i swear to god
i thought it could fly
THREE: The act of opening the window and extending an uncupped hand suggests a desire for freedom or release from this authority. The poem subtly questions the nature of power and the choices we make in response
Revisiting this poem, since it is again chosen as The Modern Poem Of The day. CONGRATS!
A poem of great depth. Powerful lines that stir the mind.
I have still the same vision: The poem subtly questions the nature of power and the choices we make in response. Sublimest response!
Rereading this energetic poem gives me more power and strenght to continue my path in life. Myriad Stars at the fullest! Love it more!
The theme is about authority and its impact. The poem describes a moment when the poetess holds something soft and trembling in her palm, akin to a new bird. A very fascinating poem. TFS
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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3/16/2026 6:50:31 AM # 1.0.0
There's something horrible about this.