What the Mirror Said

Every Friday I am going to post some poetry appreciation, highlighting a favorite of mine and telling you a little bit about why I like it. Today I share with you What the Mirror Said, by the fabulous Lucille Clifton. This poem was first introduced to me in 2000 by one of my favorite English Professors, Jack Harrell. In fact, when ever I read it I still hear his slightly nasal tones (and he's completely ruined Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone for me- I always hear his voice instead of Bob's now). Anyway, great professor, great poem. I fell in love with Lucille Clifton's words and they never have left me. I think, to me, that is a token of a  masterful piece of poetry. When you can recall it months, years, and (Heaven help me) decades later.

what the mirror said

listen, 
you a wonder. 
you a city 
of a woman. 
you got a geography 
of your own. 
listen, 
somebody need a map 
to understand you. 
somebody need directions 
to move around you. 
listen, 
woman, 
you not a noplace 
anonymous 
girl; 
mister with his hands on you 
he got his hands on 
some 
damn 
body! 

Lucille Clifton (1936-2010)