(For 2012 National (US) Poetry Month celebrations)
———
Lucille Clifton did not adorn her poetry with punctuation or flourishes. Her poems are quite emotional and are imbued with such humanity. She wrote a lot about women and the African-American experience.
I was immediately drawn to “blessing the boats” when I first read it. I’m not spiritual at all but nonetheless I love traditional blessings.
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 thatby Lucille Clifton
Kinna Reads 
blessing the boats -is healing. thanks Lucille Clifton
LikeLike
[…] More poems by Lucille Clifton at Kinna Reads: “blessing the boats” “wishes for sons“ “won’t you celebrate with […]
LikeLike
[…] blessing the boats […]
LikeLike
[…] Here’s to you, Serena, and to us all. May we learn the lessons swiftly that move us, in Lucille’s words, as we “sail through this, to that.” Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the […]
LikeLike
[…] Here’s to you, Serena, and to us all. May we learn the lessons swiftly that move us, in Lucille’s words, as we “sail through this, to that.” Like this:LikeBe the first to like […]
LikeLike
There is some sense of spirituality in this that can appeal to everyone.
LikeLike
Beautiful poem, Kinna! “May you in your innocence sail through this to that”. I don’t tend to read much poetry, but I’m reading a volume right now by Edward Brathwaite and really enjoying it, might take inspiration from you and post some samples up.
LikeLike