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20th out of 34 books
—
6 voters
The Book of Light
Lucille Clifton was born in Depew, New York in 1936, and educated at the State University of New York at Fredonia and at Howard University. Her awards include the Juniper Prize for Poetry, two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize in poetry, an Emmy Award from the American Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. S...more
Paperback, 80 pages
Published
July 1st 1992
by Copper Canyon Press
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I wanted to like this volume more. Some of the poems -- "climbing," "june 20," "if i should" -- offer taught visions of pain and memory that make me want to penetrate the surface of the words to better understand the sentiments taking refuge there, waiting to be revealed and understood.
But most of the rest of the poems in this volume tell too much, too immediately, or they tell everything and leave little to be explored on the reader's end. This is an acceptable technique, but it never forces t...more
But most of the rest of the poems in this volume tell too much, too immediately, or they tell everything and leave little to be explored on the reader's end. This is an acceptable technique, but it never forces t...more
I first read Lucille Clifton's work a few years ago. I stumbled across "Homage to My Hips" (fabulous) and from there went on to read her poetry collection, "Blessing the Boats." Recently, one of my sisters told me about reading her children's book, "The Lucky Stone."
Clifton recently passed away, which put her at the forefront of my mind and motivated me to read more of her work. "The Book of Light" is full of some very interesting poems. I really liked the biblical ones. She wrote from the point...more
Clifton recently passed away, which put her at the forefront of my mind and motivated me to read more of her work. "The Book of Light" is full of some very interesting poems. I really liked the biblical ones. She wrote from the point...more
Jul 23, 2008
Alexandria Michelle
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
poets and other writers
Recommended to Alexandria Michelle by:
Seattle Arts & Lectures Staff
Lucille Clifton's The Book of Light does not dissappoint. I love this poet's spare writing style that manages to give her readers image ladden journeys. Clifton writes about Spirit, childhood trauma, and other adversities. She is able to capture humor, joy, and passion as well. She includes a series of poems that feature a conversation between Lucifer and God that is simply brillant. What would Lucifer have to say to God anyway? Clifton delivers poignant verse that inspires the reader to think m...more
I love this one:
song at midnight
brothers,
this big woman
carries much sweetness
in the folds of her flesh.
her hair
is white with wonderful.
she is
rounder than the moon
and far more faithful.
brothers,
who will hold her,
who will find her beautiful
if you do not?
song at midnight
brothers,
this big woman
carries much sweetness
in the folds of her flesh.
her hair
is white with wonderful.
she is
rounder than the moon
and far more faithful.
brothers,
who will hold her,
who will find her beautiful
if you do not?
"they will order you
to give it up if you do
you will bring the temple down
if you do not they wil"
&&
"If you live in a mind
that would destroy itself
to comfort itself
if you would stand fire
rather than difference
do not hesitate
move
away"
to give it up if you do
you will bring the temple down
if you do not they wil"
&&
"If you live in a mind
that would destroy itself
to comfort itself
if you would stand fire
rather than difference
do not hesitate
move
away"
Jul 18, 2012
Kelsey
added it
Some of the most powerful, guttural poetry I have ever read. It is Clifton's attempt to make sense of things that cannot be understood. Her words punch back.
I love Lucille Clifton's poetry and I get it. I read her selections over and over and turn them around and around in my mind. It's exhilirating to be touched by words so deeply.
2 likes · like · see review
Lucille Clifton comes close to being one of our mystics. Her way with the line shows how words can be magnets. A book of hers is always a treat.
Nov 19, 2008
Misty Dawn
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Many people.
Recommended to Misty by:
Random selection at library.
Shelves:
poetry
Beautiful. Pleasing to the eye, the tongue and the ear while gently massaging its way into the deeper senses.
Divided into the three sections: "reflection", "lightning bolt", and "splendor"---these poems are luminescent, painful, curious, and revelatory. Even though I read the book straight through with some pauses for savoring, these are poems that I will read again and again.
has a way of making the most candid moments poetic and lyical, almost a whisper.
I have a lot of respect for poets who educate me about historical figures and events (e.g. U.S. Senator Jesse Helms and how the police bombed the compound of MOVE in Philadelphia in 1995). From this book, her poems about her relationship with her mother and father were also powerful and painful.
I have been fortunate enough to have sat at her feet on numerous occassions and just listen to the brilliance of her poetry. In fact, floating around somewhere is a video of me asking her and Mark Doty a question at the Dodge Poetry Fest shown on PBS.
fantastic grasp of art through an experienced woman's eye. lucille is a lovely woman with an amazing personality and to hear her read her works further illuminates her talent.
This is the first book of poetry I read cover to cover. I adored it--probably because I thought I "got" it.
Lucille Clifton perhaps one of the most underrated prolific poets of our time. A national treasure!
Loved this collection of poetry, my favorite being "Song At Midnight".
introduce yourself to the inspired 'fox' series in this book.
Check out the poem "Them and Us" in this volume...
Jun 05, 2013
Mcatania21
is currently reading it
May 29, 2013
Sarah
added it
May 25, 2013
Isla McKetta
marked it as to-read
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Lucille Clifton was an American poet, writer, and educator from New York. Common topics in her poetry include the celebration of her African American heritage, and feminist themes, with particular emphasis on the female body.
She was the first person in her family to finish high school and attend college. She started Howard University on scholarship as a drama major but lost the scholarship two yea...more
More about Lucille Clifton...
She was the first person in her family to finish high school and attend college. She started Howard University on scholarship as a drama major but lost the scholarship two yea...more
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“her dangling braids the color of rain.”
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“was my first landscape, red brown as the clay of her georgia.”
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Jul 20, 2010 05:27pm