'Praise Song' by Lucille Clifton

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to my aunt blanche
who rolled from grass to driveway
into the street one sunday morning.
i was ten. i had never seen
a human woman hurl her basketball
of a body into the traffic of the world.
Praise to the drivers who stopped in time.
Praise to the faith with which she rose
after some moments then slowly walked
sighing back to her family.
Praise to the arms which understood
little or nothing of what it meant
but welcomed her in without judgment,
accepting it all like children might,
like God.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Praise Song by Lucille Clifton: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Lucille Clifton's Praise Song is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the resilience and strength of African-American women. Through vivid imagery and a strong, rhythmic voice, Clifton creates a tribute to the beauty, power, and dignity of black womanhood.

Overview of the Poem

Praise Song is a free-verse poem that comprises ten stanzas of varying length. The poem opens with an invocation of the divine, as the speaker addresses the "dark mothers," the "ones who have gone before," and the "ones who will come after." The speaker then goes on to describe the qualities and virtues of black women, using images that evoke the natural world and the power of the elements.

Throughout the poem, Clifton uses repetition and anaphora (the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses) to create a hypnotic, rhythmic effect that reinforces the message of the poem. The poem also makes use of enjambment (the continuation of a sentence or clause over a line break) to create a sense of fluidity and continuity.

Analysis of the Poem

One of the most striking features of Praise Song is its focus on black women as a collective entity. The poem celebrates the strength and resilience of African-American women as a group, invoking the image of the "dark mothers" who have gone before and will come after. The use of the word "dark" is significant, as it suggests a connection to the earth, to the cycles of nature, and to the ancestral wisdom that is passed down through generations.

The poem also celebrates the physical beauty and vitality of black women, using images that evoke the power of the natural world. The speaker describes them as "waters of life," "the fire in my eyes," and "the earth my bones." These images suggest a profound connection to the elements, as well as a sense of groundedness and rootedness in the earth.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The speaker acknowledges the pain and suffering that black women have endured, but also celebrates their ability to endure and overcome. The poem contains several references to the "broken places," the scars and wounds that black women carry with them. However, the speaker also emphasizes the healing power of love and connection, describing how the "unbroken circle" of black women can offer support and solace to each other.

Overall, Praise Song is a powerful celebration of black womanhood and a call to solidarity and connection. The poem emphasizes the beauty, strength, and resilience of black women, and encourages them to draw on their connections to each other and to the natural world in order to overcome the challenges they face.

Interpretation of the Poem

One way to interpret Praise Song is as a celebration of the unique and powerful qualities of black womanhood. The poem emphasizes the beauty, strength, and vitality of black women, celebrating their connection to the natural world and to the divine. By invoking the image of the "dark mothers" who have gone before and will come after, the poem suggests a sense of continuity and interconnectedness, as well as a shared heritage of resilience and strength.

Another way to interpret the poem is as a call to solidarity and connection among black women. The repeated references to the "unbroken circle" suggest a need for unity and mutual support, particularly in the face of adversity. The poem suggests that black women can draw on their connections to each other and to the natural world in order to find strength and healing.

Finally, Praise Song can be seen as a critique of the ways in which black women have been marginalized and oppressed in American society. The references to the "broken places" and the scars that black women carry with them suggest a recognition of the pain and trauma that they have experienced. However, the poem also celebrates the resilience and strength of black women, suggesting that they are capable of overcoming these obstacles and finding healing and wholeness.

Conclusion

Praise Song is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty, strength, and resilience of African-American women. Through vivid imagery and a strong, rhythmic voice, Lucille Clifton creates a tribute to the enduring spirit of black womanhood. The poem emphasizes the importance of connection and solidarity among black women, as well as the need for healing and wholeness in the face of adversity. Overall, Praise Song is a testament to the power and beauty of black women, and a call to celebrate and honor their unique and irreplaceable contributions to American culture and society.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Praise Song by Lucille Clifton is a classic poem that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. This poem is a celebration of life and the beauty that surrounds us. It is a reminder that we should be grateful for the little things in life and appreciate the world around us. In this article, we will take a closer look at Praise Song and explore its themes, structure, and language.

Themes

One of the main themes of Praise Song is the celebration of life. The poem is a tribute to the beauty of the world and the joy that can be found in everyday things. Clifton encourages us to appreciate the simple things in life, such as the sun, the moon, and the stars. She reminds us that life is a gift and that we should be grateful for it.

Another theme of the poem is the importance of community. Clifton emphasizes the idea that we are all connected and that we should support each other. She writes, "we are one people / in the holy name of freedom." This line highlights the idea that we are all part of a larger community and that we should work together to create a better world.

Structure

Praise Song is a free verse poem, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza focuses on the natural world, the second on the human experience, and the third on the idea of community.

The poem is also characterized by repetition. Clifton repeats the phrase "come celebrate" throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea that life is something to be celebrated. She also repeats the phrase "we are one people" to emphasize the importance of community.

Language

Clifton's language in Praise Song is simple and direct. She uses everyday language to convey her message, making the poem accessible to a wide audience. The poem is also characterized by its use of imagery. Clifton uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of wonder and awe. For example, she writes, "come celebrate with me that everyday / something has tried to kill me / and has failed."

The poem also contains religious imagery, such as the reference to the "holy name of freedom." This imagery emphasizes the idea that freedom is a sacred value that should be cherished and protected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Praise Song by Lucille Clifton is a beautiful tribute to life and the world around us. The poem celebrates the beauty of the natural world, the importance of community, and the joy that can be found in everyday things. Clifton's use of repetition and imagery creates a powerful message that is both accessible and profound. This poem is a reminder to be grateful for the little things in life and to appreciate the world around us.

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