Friday, February 19, 2010

Poetry Friday Remembrance: Lucille Clifton

Poet Lucille Clifton died earlier this week. After I heard the news, I wrote this post about Clifton and her importance to our local literary community in Howard County, Maryland.

Clifton is best known for her National Book Award winning poetry and her long tenure as Maryland's Poet Laureate. But she was also an author of children's books.

Rather than post one of her poems for Poetry Friday, I'm sharing a wonderful clip of Lucille Clifton reading to a group of children. You can see what an easy, wonderful rapport she had with young ones.

I love how "Don't You Remember" begins: Once upon a time, there was a four year old person who remembered everything.

That one word person -- rather than girl or child -- says much about Clifton's respect for human beings, regardless of age, color or gender.

For more Poetry Friday offerings, please visit our gracious Host: Irene Lantham.
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7 comments:

  1. all things poetryFebruary 19, 2010 at 7:54 AM

    Hi Laura,

    Thanks for sharing this video. Clifton rocks!

    Laura Evans

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  2. jamaFebruary 19, 2010 at 9:05 AM

    Thanks for the link. Enjoyed hearing and seeing Lucille read. :)

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  3. Mrs. NockowitzFebruary 19, 2010 at 10:50 AM

    I am not familiar with Ms. Clifton! Thanks for the video- It seems like she was a great lady!
    Stacy

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  4. Mrs. NockowitzFebruary 19, 2010 at 11:01 AM

    I was not familiar with Ms. Clifton. It sounds like she was a pretty special lady!

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  5. Author AmokFebruary 19, 2010 at 12:11 PM

    She always had a huge, enthusiastic following at the Dodge Festivals. But here in central Maryland, people in the literary community just adored her. For good reason. It's not often you meet someone who is totally present, attentive to the conversation you are sharing. That's what I will always remember and value about Lucille Clifton.

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  6. laurasalasFebruary 23, 2010 at 4:02 PM

    Love this. She was so engaging!

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  7. Author AmokFebruary 24, 2010 at 3:49 PM

    Engaging and engaged. And a knock-your-socks-off poet. There are some wonderful clips of her on youtube. I especially like the ones from the Dodge festivals.

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