Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To Ms. Ann" by Lucille Clifton is a powerful and poignant exploration of the historical and personal traumas inflicted by the institution of slavery on the lives of African American women. Through the perspective of a speaker addressing "Ms. Ann," a term historically used by Black people in the South to refer to White women in positions of authority or ownership, Clifton delves into themes of memory, dehumanization, and the complex dynamics of power and subjugation. This poem, like much of Clifton's work, confronts the painful realities of racial injustice and the enduring impact of these injustices on individual lives and relationships.

The poem's repetitive structure, with the speaker declaring the need to "forget your face," emphasizes the psychological effort required to overcome the trauma and indignity experienced. Each repetition is followed by a specific instance of humiliation or exploitation, painting a vivid picture of the speaker's suffering and resilience. The act of "breaking in the fields, missing my children" speaks to the physical toll of forced labor and the emotional agony of familial separation, a common experience for enslaved people.

The reference to "carry your husband's stagnant water" further illustrates the demeaning and degrading tasks imposed upon the speaker, symbolizing not only the physical burden but also the contamination of spirit and dignity endured. The stagnant water serves as a metaphor for the oppressive, unchanging conditions of slavery and the toxicity of the power dynamics at play.

The speaker's assertion that she was handed "your house / to make a home" without recognition or kinship ("you never called me sister then") highlights the exploitation of Black women's labor and the denial of their humanity. This line exposes the hypocrisy of the intimate, yet profoundly unequal, relationships between enslaved people and their enslavers, where African American women were often forced into roles that intimately intertwined them with the lives of their oppressors, yet without acknowledgment of their common humanity.

The concluding lines, "and it has only been forever and i will have to forget your face," capture the enduring nature of the trauma and the speaker's desire to erase the memory of her oppressor as a means of moving forward. The phrase "it has only been forever" suggests a timeless, ongoing struggle with the legacy of slavery and the deep wounds it has inflicted on generations.

"To Ms. Ann" is a testament to Lucille Clifton's unflinching courage in addressing the painful aspects of African American history and her profound empathy for the resilience of those who endured. Through this poem, Clifton challenges readers to confront the realities of racial injustice and its lasting effects on the human spirit, while also honoring the strength and dignity of those who survived and resisted oppression. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering the past, not as a means of holding onto pain, but as a step towards healing and liberation.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...