'Sisters' by Lucille Clifton

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me and you be sisters.
we be the same.me and you
coming from the same place.me and you
be greasing our legs
touching up our edges.me and you
be scared of rats
be stepping on roaches.me and you
come running high down purdy street one time
and mama laugh and shake her head at
me and you.me and you
got babies
got thirty-five
got black
let our hair go back
be loving ourselves
be loving ourselves
be sisters.only where you sing,
I poet.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sisters: A Poem by Lucille Clifton

Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters

• Irving Berlin

Lucille Clifton's poem Sisters is a profound and powerful exploration of sisterhood, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships. With its sparse structure and haunting imagery, the poem captures the essence of the bond between two sisters, while also delving into larger themes of love, loss, and the struggle for self-acceptance.

At its core, Sisters is a tribute to the unbreakable connection between siblings. Clifton's use of repetition in the opening lines - "sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters" - immediately establishes the depth of feeling between the two characters, and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The repetition of the word "sisters" reinforces the idea that this relationship is the central focus of the poem, while the use of the word "devoted" emphasizes the strength of the bond between the two women.

As the poem progresses, Clifton delves deeper into the complexities of sisterhood, exploring the ways in which this relationship can both unite and divide. The line "each loves the other as herself" suggests a level of intimacy and closeness between the sisters that goes beyond the ordinary, but also raises questions about the boundaries between their individual identities. Are they so entwined that they can no longer be seen as separate individuals? Or are they simply two halves of a whole, each incomplete without the other?

The poem's use of imagery is particularly striking, with a recurring motif of water running throughout. The line "we were water being poured from one jug to another" creates a vivid image of the sisters' closeness, while the references to "the river that runs both ways" and "the sea that flows through us" suggest a depth of feeling that is both elemental and eternal. The image of water also carries with it a sense of fluidity and changeability, hinting at the ways in which the sisters' relationship may shift and evolve over time.

One of the most powerful aspects of Sisters is its exploration of loss and grief. The line "when one sister cries the other tastes salt" suggests a profound empathy and connection between the two women, but also hints at the pain that comes with loss. By sharing in each other's sorrow, the sisters are able to support and comfort one another, but they are also forced to confront the reality of their own mortality. The final line of the poem - "we know that we will be / sisters forever, that we will never / be cast up on some / strange shore" - is both a comfort and a warning, reminding us that even the strongest bonds are not immune to the ravages of time.

Overall, Sisters is a poem of remarkable depth and complexity, a tribute to the power of sisterhood and the enduring bonds of family. Clifton's use of repetition, imagery, and metaphor creates a haunting portrait of the relationship between two sisters, while also exploring larger themes of identity, loss, and the struggle for self-acceptance. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human, and reminds us of the importance of the relationships that sustain us throughout our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Sisters: An Ode to Sisterhood and Creativity

Lucille Clifton's Poetry Sisters is a timeless masterpiece that celebrates the bond of sisterhood and the power of creativity. This poem is a tribute to the poet's sisters, who were her constant companions in the journey of life and art. Through her words, Clifton captures the essence of sisterhood, the joys and sorrows of growing up together, and the magic of creating something beautiful out of nothing.

The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement, "we are the sisters of creativity and we are unstoppable." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the sisters' identity as creative beings who are not bound by any limitations. The use of the word "unstoppable" is significant, as it suggests that the sisters are not afraid to take risks and pursue their dreams, no matter what obstacles they may face.

Clifton then goes on to describe the sisters' childhood, painting a vivid picture of their shared experiences. She writes, "we played hopscotch on the moon and danced with the stars." This imagery is both whimsical and profound, as it suggests that the sisters' imagination knows no bounds. They are not limited by the physical world, but rather, they are free to explore the universe through their creativity.

The poet also touches upon the challenges that the sisters faced as they grew up. She writes, "we cried together when our hearts were broken and held each other when the world was too much." This line is a testament to the strength of sisterhood, as it highlights the sisters' ability to support each other through difficult times. It also speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and the need for human connection in times of distress.

Despite the challenges they faced, the sisters never lost their sense of wonder and creativity. Clifton writes, "we painted our dreams on the canvas of life and wrote our stories in the stars." This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the sisters were not content with simply existing in the world, but rather, they actively shaped their own destinies through their art.

The poem then takes a turn towards the spiritual, as Clifton writes, "we are the sisters of the spirit and we are one." This line speaks to the idea of sisterhood as a spiritual bond, one that transcends physical boundaries and connects us all on a deeper level. It also suggests that the sisters' creativity is not just a product of their individual selves, but rather, it is a manifestation of a greater spiritual force.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action, as Clifton writes, "let us dance together in the light of the moon and sing our songs to the stars." This line is a celebration of the sisters' creativity and a reminder that they are not alone in their pursuit of art. It is a call for all women to come together and create something beautiful, to share their stories and dreams with the world.

In conclusion, Lucille Clifton's Poetry Sisters is a beautiful tribute to sisterhood and creativity. Through her words, Clifton captures the essence of what it means to be a sister, to support each other through the ups and downs of life, and to create something beautiful out of nothing. This poem is a reminder that we are all connected through our creativity and our shared experiences, and that together, we are unstoppable.

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