Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Meeting After the Savior Gone" by Lucille Clifton presents a poignant reflection on self-reliance, identity, and the aftermath of loss. This poem explores the communal sense of resignation and the shift towards personal responsibility in the wake of a guiding figure's departure. Clifton's work frequently addresses themes of survival, empowerment, and the search for meaning within the trials of life, and this poem is no exception. Through a conversational tone, Clifton captures a moment of realization and transition for a group grappling with their newfound autonomy.

The poem begins with a collective decision: "what we decided is / you save your own self." This statement sets the tone for the poem, indicating a shift from external reliance to self-dependence. The simplicity and directness of this declaration highlight the clarity and finality of the group's realization. The absence of the savior figure has forced the community to reconsider their approach to salvation and survival, leading them to the conclusion that each individual must take responsibility for their own salvation.

The atmosphere of the meeting is described as "so quiet," characterized not by sorrow but by resignation. This distinction is crucial, as it suggests that the group's acceptance of their situation is not about defeat but about a sober acknowledgment of reality. The quietude represents a collective moment of introspection and acceptance, a turning point where the focus shifts from external salvation to internal resilience.

Clifton's use of the phrase "we was going to try and save you but / now i guess you got to save yourselves" speaks to the unfulfilled promise of salvation through a savior. This realization underscores the poem's central theme: the necessity of self-salvation in the absence of a guiding figure. The colloquial language emphasizes the poem's accessibility and the universal nature of its message.

The closing lines, "(even if you don’t know / who you are / where you been / where you headed," introduce an element of uncertainty and exploration. This acknowledgment of not knowing one's identity or direction adds depth to the theme of self-salvation, suggesting that the journey towards self-reliance involves confronting and embracing one's uncertainties and unknowns.

"The Meeting After the Savior Gone" is a powerful meditation on the challenges and possibilities that emerge in the wake of loss. Clifton masterfully captures the collective and individual journey from reliance on external salvation to the embrace of personal agency and self-discovery. Through this poem, Clifton invites readers to reflect on their own paths to understanding and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

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