Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Astrologer Predicts at Mary's Birth" by Lucille Clifton is a deeply symbolic and evocative poem that delves into themes of destiny, femininity, and the cyclical nature of life and death. Through the use of vivid imagery and the astrologer's foretelling, Clifton explores the predetermined path that life sometimes seems to take, despite the individual's desires or actions. This poem, like many of Clifton's works, engages with the complexities of identity, the burdens and expectations placed upon women, and the intersection of personal and universal narratives.

The opening line, "this one lie down on grass," immediately situates the reader in a scene of vulnerability and openness, suggesting a connection to nature and the earth that is both nurturing and exposing. The imagery evokes a sense of beginning, innocence, and potential, setting the stage for the astrologer's predictions that unfold.

The phrase "this one old men will follow calling mother mother" is particularly loaded with meaning. It suggests a destiny where Mary, the subject of the poem, will be venerated or sought after, potentially burdened by the expectations and projections of others. The repetition of "mother" implies a role that is both revered and defined by others, highlighting the societal imposition of roles upon women, particularly in relation to motherhood and nurturing.

The prediction "she womb will blossom then die" speaks to the cycles of fertility and mortality, encapsulating the essence of life and death within the female body. This line poignantly addresses the transient nature of life, the inevitability of death, and perhaps the experiences of loss, such as miscarriage or the end of fertility, that women may face. Clifton's use of "blossom" juxtaposed with "die" reflects the stark contrasts and the inherent beauty and tragedy of existence.

The poem then shifts to a more ominous tone with the lines "this one she hide from evening. / at a certain time when she hear something it will burn her ear. / at a certain place when she see something it will break her eye." These predictions hint at moments of revelation and pain that will mark Mary's life, suggesting encounters with truths or realities so profound that they cause physical and emotional distress. The imagery of burning and breaking conveys the impact of knowledge and sight, possibly alluding to the painful awareness and understanding of the world's complexities and injustices that come with maturity.

"The Astrologer Predicts at Mary's Birth" is a powerful meditation on the predetermined paths that lives may take and the roles that individuals, particularly women, are often forced to assume. Clifton masterfully weaves together themes of destiny, the natural cycle of life and death, and the burdens of societal expectations, creating a poem that resonates with the universal experiences of growth, realization, and the inevitable confrontation with mortality. Through this poem, Clifton invites readers to reflect on the forces that shape our lives, the roles we are expected to play, and the moments of insight that define our understanding of ourselves and the world.

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