This section contains 395 words (approx. 1 page at 400 words per page) |
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From next (1988), "the death of thelma sales" Summary
Clifton's maiden name was Thelma Sayles. This poem is about leaving that child behind, acknowledging her, including her, but eventually letting her go. To talk to this left-behind child, the poet leaves no tracks so the ones she loves now cannot follow her there. She meets the child at the river, a place so fearsome and powerful that most people cannot stay there but "shiver" and turn away. However, the child is strong enough to stand the experience. She stands by herself on the bank of that river just watching.
The poet takes her heart out of her pocket and throws it to the waiting child. She is happy to see the child catch the throw and take what she can from it, heading home for her...
(read more from the From <I>next</I> (1988), "the death of thelma sales" Summary)
This section contains 395 words (approx. 1 page at 400 words per page) |
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