Blessing the Boats

“homage to my hips” by Lucille Clifton (1980)

This is one of Clifton’s most emblematic poems. It upholds the belief that “Black is beautiful,” a phrase often used within the Black Arts Movement. While she praises her own hips, the poem also affirms not only physical beauty but also their power and freedom, a theme that is especially prescient for African American women continuing to sue for equality and recognition.

“wishes for my sons” by Lucille Clifton (1987)

“wishes for my sons” stands as an example of Clifton’s sense of humor as she tackles issues of feminism and blasts through taboos to talk openly about menstruation. In this poem the speaker “wishes” her sons all of the discomfort women experience during their periods and menopause. It is both funny and pointedly political as it showcases the difficulties and pain associated with the experience of living in a female body and encapsulates the strength required to be female.

“Lucille Clifton’s Cancer Poems” by betterlivingthroughbeowulf (2017)

This blog post catalogues several of Lucille Clifton’s poems that deal directly with cancer and her treatment. Robin Bates discusses the backstory behind each poem and how each poem gives insight into Clifton’s experiences.