Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Wishes for Sons" by Lucille Clifton is a compelling and sharply witty poem that employs irony and a touch of vengeance to challenge and illuminate the everyday experiences of womanhood that are often invisible to men. Through a series of vivid, somewhat humorous, but deeply poignant wishes, Clifton exposes the reader to the physical and emotional trials that women frequently endure, particularly regarding their reproductive health and societal expectations of femininity.

The poem opens with the seemingly benign but deeply evocative wish of cramps for her sons, a common but often debilitating part of many women's monthly cycles. The specificity of wishing "them a strange town / and the last tampon" further emphasizes the vulnerability and inconvenience women can experience due to menstruation, especially in moments when and where they cannot find the necessary support or products.

Clifton’s wish of experiencing a period "one week early / and wearing a white skirt" captures the anxiety and embarrassment that can accompany menstrual surprises, highlighting the societal pressure on women to conceal their periods. The counter wish of being "one week late" introduces the fear and uncertainty around unexpected pregnancies, a concern that looms large in the lives of many women.

As the poem progresses, the wishes escalate to include "hot flashes / and clots like you / wouldn't believe," referencing menopause and the severe discomfort and worry that can accompany it. Clifton's choice to have these symptoms arise "when they / meet someone special" and "when they want to" underlines the inconvenient and often disruptive timing of such bodily processes, further complicating women’s emotional and social lives.

The concluding wish, for her sons to be brought "to gynecologists / not unlike themselves," is a cutting critique of the lack of empathy and understanding often found in the medical profession, particularly from male practitioners who may not fully grasp the female experience. This wish serves as a broader metaphor for a wish for increased empathy and understanding across gender lines, highlighting the need for more compassionate and informed care for women's health issues.

Through "Wishes for Sons," Clifton masterfully employs humor and vivid imagery to foster empathy and awareness about the female experience, urging a reevaluation of the taken-for-granted privileges associated with masculinity. The poem stands as a clever, insightful, and powerful call for greater understanding and respect for the physical and emotional realities that women navigate, inviting readers to consider the gendered dimensions of human experience with more compassion and thoughtfulness.

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