Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Turning" by Lucille Clifton is a compact yet profound exploration of self-realization, liberation, and identity. Through the metaphor of growth and turning, Clifton articulates a journey towards self-acceptance and the shedding of imposed identities. This poem, reflective of Clifton's broader themes of resilience, empowerment, and the celebration of one's roots and essence, captures the transformative process of becoming oneself, fully and unapologetically.

The repetition of "turning" throughout the poem emphasizes a dynamic process of change and evolution. The phrase "turning into my own" suggests an inward journey, a movement towards understanding and embodying one's true self, distinct from external expectations or societal norms. This introspection is a crucial step in the journey toward self-empowerment, indicating a deliberate action of aligning with one's core identity.

Clifton’s imagery of "turning out of the / white cage, turning out of the / lady cage" uses the metaphor of cages to represent the restrictive roles and identities imposed by society based on race and gender. The "white cage" can be interpreted as the confines of a society structured by racial hierarchies that marginalize and suppress Black identities. Similarly, the "lady cage" refers to the limitations placed on women, confining them to certain behaviors and roles. Clifton's choice to "turn out of" these cages signifies a rejection of these imposed limitations and a claim to autonomy and freedom.

The poem culminates in the powerful imagery of the speaker as "a black fruit in my own season at last." This metaphor celebrates the richness of the speaker's identity, drawing on natural imagery to symbolize organic growth and the fruition of a journey towards self-empowerment. The black fruit stands as a proud assertion of Black identity, beauty, and strength, fully realized and existing within its own time and terms—"in my own season." This line conveys a sense of fulfillment and completeness, a celebration of coming into one’s own.

"Turning" is a testament to Lucille Clifton's mastery of brevity in expressing complex themes of identity, liberation, and self-celebration. Through her evocative imagery and the deliberate pacing of the poem, Clifton invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the liberation found in embracing one's true self. The poem stands as an affirmation of the power of individual agency in the face of societal constraints, encouraging a turning towards the light of one's inherent worth and beauty.

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