Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Blessing the Boats (at St. Mary's)" by Lucille Clifton is a poignant and lyrical invocation that extends beyond its immediate context, offering a universal message of hope, courage, and transformation. Through the metaphor of a journey by boat—a journey that is at once literal and symbolic—Clifton encapsulates the essence of life's transitions, the challenges we face, and the potential for renewal and discovery. The poem is a benediction, a prayerful wish for safe passage through the tumultuous and uncertain waters of existence.

The opening lines, "may the tide / that is entering even now / the lip of our understanding," suggest a convergence of natural forces and human consciousness. The tide, a powerful and relentless force, symbolizes the inevitable changes and challenges that life presents. Clifton’s use of the phrase "the lip of our understanding" evokes the idea of knowledge and experience as a boundary or edge, one that is constantly being reshaped by the forces of life, much like a shoreline by the tide.

The poet's wish for the reader, or the voyager, to be "carried out / beyond the face of fear" speaks to the desire to transcend fear and uncertainty. This passage is emblematic of the journey from the known to the unknown, from safety to vulnerability, urging courage and trust in the face of life's inevitable challenges.

Clifton's blessing continues with a beautifully rendered image of intimacy and reciprocity with the natural world: "may you kiss / the wind then turn from it / certain that it will / love your back." This personification of the wind as a lover, capable of offering support and affection, encourages a relationship with the elements and the world that is based on mutual respect and understanding. It's a call to face life's challenges with the assurance that, even in turning away or moving forward, there is a force that guides and protects us.

The invocation to "open your eyes to water / water waving forever" suggests a recognition of the eternal and omnipresent nature of change and movement. Water, with its capacity to nurture, cleanse, and transform, becomes a symbol of life's continuous flow and the endless possibilities that lie within it. Clifton encourages an embrace of this fluidity and a surrender to the journey with innocence and openness.

The concluding wish, "and may you in your innocence / sail through this to that," encapsulates the poem's essence—a hope for safe passage through the complexities and transitions of life, from one state of being to another, with the purity of intention and the grace of innocence. It's a reminder of the inherent strength and resilience within each person to navigate life's voyages with hope and faith.

"Blessing the Boats (at St. Mary's)" is a testament to Lucille Clifton's profound ability to distill complex emotional landscapes into concise, powerful imagery and language. The poem serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty and strength found in embracing life's uncertainties, urging readers to trust in the journey and find solace in the ever-present currents of change and renewal.

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