Poetry of Lucille Clifton
we are running
running and
time is clocking us
from the edge like an only
daughter.
our mothers stream before us,
cradling their breasts in their
hands.
oh pray that what we want
is worth this running,
pray that what we're running
toward
is what we want.
ways you are not like oedipus
for Michael Glaser*
you have spared your father
you pass the spinx without
answering you recognized
your mother in time
your sons covet only
their own kingdoms
you lead your daughters
even in your blindness
you do not wander far
from your own good house
it is home and you know it
* Note from Anaïs Aigner: I am pleased to claim Michael
Glaser as a dear colleague at The Chesapeake Observatory; he is the
distinguished chair of the
Department of Mystic Vibrations.
The following poem is set by Ms. Clifton on the very own shores
of
the Chesapeake Observatory, St. Mary's River.
blessing the boats
(at St. Mary's)
may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that
These poems are all excerpted from quilting: poems 1987-1990
by lucille clifton
copyright 1991.
Email:21stcenturyfox@mailcity.com
