The Photograph: A Lynching Poem by Lucille Clifton

The Photograph: A Lynching

Rating: 4.2


is it the cut glass
of their eyes
looking up toward
the new gnarled branch
of the black man
hanging from a tree?

is it the white milk pleated
collar of the woman
smiling toward the camera,
her fingers loose around
a christian cross drooping
against her breast?

is it all of us
captured by history into an
accurate album? will we be
required to view it together
under a gathering sky?

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Dutendra Chamling 28 October 2015

This poem has designed a REAL photograph. Wonderful poem.

0 0 Reply
Colleen Courtney 15 May 2014

A sad and poignant poem on a horrible happening in history. There's a subtle power in these words. Nicely written.

3 0 Reply
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Lucille Clifton

Lucille Clifton

Baltimore, Maryland
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