Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Whispered to Lucifer" by Lucille Clifton delves into the complex interplay between temptation, loss, and the consequences of choices through the mythological figure of Lucifer, traditionally known as the fallen angel. Clifton's poem personifies Lucifer in a manner that reflects both his biblical role as the bringer of light and his downfall due to pride and rebellion. Through this evocative narrative, the poem explores themes of desire, rebellion, and the impact of Lucifer's fall on the celestial order and those left behind.

The poem opens with an inquiry into Lucifer's whereabouts, "lucifer six-finger / where have you gone to / with your swift lightning," which immediately highlights his distinctiveness and power. The reference to "six-finger" and "swift lightning" suggests a being of extraordinary abilities and attributes, setting the stage for the exploration of his dual nature as both a revered and reviled figure.

"Oh son of the morning" harks back to Lucifer's origins as a favored angel, celebrated for his beauty and brilliance before his fall. This title, juxtaposed with the questioning of his absence, sets a tone of lamentation and loss, underscoring the void left by his departure from the heavenly realm.

The poem speculates on the reasons for Lucifer's fall, questioning whether it was the allure of a woman that led him astray: "was it the woman / enticed you to leave us / was it to touch her / featherless arm." This passage suggests a yearning for connection or experience beyond the divine, with the "featherless arm" symbolizing the mortality and vulnerability of human existence as opposed to the immortality and might of angels.

Clifton captures the moment of Lucifer's fall with vivid imagery, "was it to curl your belly / around her / that you fell laughing / your grace all ashard." This portrayal of Lucifer, intertwined with a human and reveling in the act, emphasizes the joy or defiance in his rebellion, even as it leads to his undoing. The phrase "your grace all ashard" poignantly illustrates the shattering of Lucifer's divine stature, marking his transition from a figure of light to one of darkness.

The poem reflects on the aftermath of Lucifer's fall, noting how it has left those in the heavenly realm in "perpetual evening," a metaphor for the darkness and uncertainty that followed his departure. The silence of the guardians and the diminished radiance and certainty among those who continue "going about our / father’s business" speaks to the profound impact of Lucifer's rebellion on the cosmic order and the collective psyche of the heavenly host.

"Whispered to Lucifer" is a contemplative piece that weaves together biblical mythology with human emotions and experiences, exploring the consequences of desire and defiance. Through her portrayal of Lucifer and the reverberations of his actions, Clifton invites readers to ponder the nature of freedom, the allure of the forbidden, and the enduring quest for understanding in the face of loss and change. The poem stands as a testament to Clifton's ability to find depth and resonance in the interstices of myth, spirituality, and human longing.

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