'Fury' by Lucille Clifton
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—for Mama
remember this.
she is standing by
the furnace.
the coals
glisten like rubies.
her hand is crying.
her hand is clutching
a sheaf of papers.
poems.
she gives them up.
they burn
jewels into jewels.
her eyes are animals.
each hank of her hair
is a serpent's obedient
wife.
she will never recover.
remember. there is nothing
you will not bear
for this woman's sake.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Fury by Lucille Clifton
Introduction
When one first comes across the title "Fury" by Lucille Clifton, what immediately comes to mind is anger, aggression, and destruction. However, upon reading the poem, one realizes that the fury being referred to in this piece is not only that of anger and destruction, but also of strength, resilience, and determination. This interpretation is backed by the carefully chosen words, the use of metaphor, and the use of repetition, all of which contribute to the theme of this poem.
Analysis
Stanza 1
The first stanza of the poem starts with the speaker expressing the desire to "give birth to a warrior child." The word "warrior" here is used to signify strength, courage, and resilience. The speaker is not just asking for any child but wants to birth one that will stand the test of time, one that will be able to weather the storms of life. The use of the word "birth" here signifies the creative force of the speaker. It is as if the speaker is not just the giver of life but also the creator and sustainer of it.
The line "with one fist carrying sunshine" is a metaphor for the strength and resilience that the speaker wants the warrior child to possess. The sunshine represents hope, light, and warmth, all of which are necessary for survival. The use of the word "fist" here is also significant as it represents power and determination. It is as if the speaker is saying that the warrior child will not just carry sunshine but will also fight for it.
Stanza 2
In the second stanza, the speaker says that she wants to "give birth to a child who will be able to stand / in the middle of the storm." The storm here represents the challenges of life. The speaker is saying that the warrior child will not only be able to stand but also to resist the storm. This line is also significant as it reveals the speaker's desire for her child to be able to face adversity and come out victorious.
The line "with one fist clutching tornados" is another metaphor for the warrior child's strength and resilience. The use of the word "clutching" here is significant as it shows that the warrior child will not just withstand the tornados but will also be able to control them. It is as if the speaker is saying that her child will not just be a victim of circumstance but will also be able to overcome it.
Stanza 3
The third stanza starts with the line "I want to give birth to a child / who will not be afraid of mountains." The mountain here represents obstacles and challenges. The speaker is saying that the warrior child will not just overcome the mountains but will also not be afraid of them. This line is significant as it shows the speaker's desire for her child to be strong, courageous, and determined.
The line "with one fist full of rivers" is a metaphor for the warrior child's ability to adapt and flow with whatever comes their way. The use of the word "full" here is significant as it shows that the warrior child will not just have a little bit of the river but will be completely immersed in it. It is as if the speaker is saying that her child will not just survive but will also thrive.
Stanza 4
In the last stanza of the poem, the speaker says that she wants to "give birth to a child / who will kneel at the river / and drink." The river here represents the source of life and nourishment. The speaker is saying that the warrior child will not just be strong and resilient but will also be humble and grateful.
The line "with one fist in the breast of her people" is a metaphor for the warrior child's connection to their community. The use of the word "breast" here is significant as it represents nurturing and support. It is as if the speaker is saying that her child will not just be strong and resilient but will also be supportive and nurturing to their community.
Conclusion
"Fury" by Lucille Clifton is a powerful poem that speaks to the strength, resilience, and determination of the human spirit. Through the use of metaphor and repetition, the speaker expresses her desire to birth a warrior child who will stand the test of time and withstand the challenges of life. The poem is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of resilience and determination.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Fury: A Poem of Power and Resilience
Lucille Clifton's poem Fury is a powerful and evocative work that speaks to the experiences of Black women in America. With its vivid imagery, raw emotion, and unapologetic tone, Fury captures the anger, frustration, and determination that are often part of the Black female experience. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of Fury, and examine how Clifton uses these elements to create a poem that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Themes
At its core, Fury is a poem about power and resilience. Clifton uses the image of a storm to represent the fury that Black women feel in the face of oppression and injustice. The storm is both destructive and transformative, a force that can level buildings and uproot trees, but also a force that can bring new life and growth. In the same way, the fury of Black women can be destructive to the systems of oppression that seek to keep them down, but it can also be a force for change and growth.
Another theme that runs through Fury is the idea of self-love and self-acceptance. Clifton writes, "i am not wrong: Wrong is not my name," asserting that she will not allow others to define her or make her feel inferior. This theme of self-love is particularly important for Black women, who have historically been told that they are not beautiful or valuable because of their skin color or hair texture. By asserting her own worth and refusing to accept the labels that others try to put on her, Clifton is reclaiming her power and asserting her right to exist on her own terms.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of Fury is its vivid and evocative imagery. Clifton uses the image of a storm to represent the fury of Black women, and this image is woven throughout the poem. She writes, "i am a storm / siren screaming / i am a tree / uprooted / i am a river / flooding / i am the earth / quaking." These images are powerful and visceral, conveying the intensity and force of the fury that Clifton is describing.
Another image that appears in Fury is that of a bird. Clifton writes, "i am a bird / and no net ensnares me," suggesting that she is free and unencumbered by the expectations and limitations that others try to place on her. This image of a bird is particularly resonant for Black women, who have historically been denied their freedom and agency. By asserting her own freedom and refusing to be trapped by the expectations of others, Clifton is reclaiming her power and asserting her right to exist on her own terms.
Language
The language of Fury is raw, emotional, and unapologetic. Clifton uses short, declarative sentences and repetition to create a sense of urgency and intensity. She writes, "i am not wrong: Wrong is not my name / my name is my own my own my own," repeating the phrase "my own" three times for emphasis. This repetition creates a sense of power and ownership, as if Clifton is asserting her right to exist and be recognized as an individual.
Another aspect of the language of Fury is its use of vernacular and non-standard English. Clifton writes, "i am a black ocean, leaping and wide, / welling and swelling I bear in the tide," using a non-standard verb form ("welling and swelling") and a colloquial expression ("bear in the tide") to create a sense of authenticity and connection to the Black experience. This use of vernacular language is particularly important for Black women, who have historically been denied access to standard English and have had to create their own language and culture in order to survive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fury is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the experiences of Black women in America. Through its themes of power, resilience, and self-love, its vivid and visceral imagery, and its raw and unapologetic language, Fury captures the anger, frustration, and determination that are often part of the Black female experience. By asserting her own worth and refusing to accept the labels that others try to put on her, Clifton is reclaiming her power and asserting her right to exist on her own terms. Fury is a poem that demands to be heard, and its message of strength and resilience is one that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
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