Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Good Friday" by Lucille Clifton is a succinct yet profound poem that encapsulates themes of transcendence, potentiality, and the divine within the human experience. Through minimalist imagery and a powerful assertion, Clifton conveys the idea that humans possess an innate capacity to rise beyond their limitations and reach towards something greater, akin to divinity. The poem, reflective of its title "Good Friday," which is a Christian holy day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, subtly weaves in notions of resurrection and rebirth, suggesting a parallel between the divine sacrifice and human potential for transformation.

The opening line, "i rise up above my self," immediately introduces the concept of self-transcendence, where the speaker experiences a moment of elevation beyond their ordinary existence. The comparison to "a fish flying" evokes a sense of breaking natural boundaries, as the fish leaves its familiar aquatic environment to soar into the air. This image is powerful in its simplicity, capturing the essence of surpassing inherent limitations and venturing into realms beyond the expected.

The second part of the poem, "men will be gods / if they want it," is a declaration of the potential within humans to achieve god-like stature or enlightenment. Clifton suggests that this elevation to divinity is a matter of desire, a choice that individuals can make. It’s an empowering message that places the responsibility for transcendence on human agency, indicating that the divine is not an external force but something that can be realized within oneself.

"Good Friday" by Lucille Clifton is an invitation to reflect on the capacity for growth, transformation, and the realization of one's potential. The poem's brevity belies its depth, as Clifton distills complex theological and philosophical ideas into a few, potent lines. Through the imagery of self-elevation and the assertion of human potential, Clifton offers a message of hope and empowerment. The poem encourages readers to contemplate their own abilities to transcend the mundane and reach for the divine, echoing the themes of sacrifice, resurrection, and rebirth that are central to the observance of Good Friday. Clifton's work stands as a testament to the belief in the boundless potential of the human spirit to achieve greatness and touch the divine, if only one desires it.

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