Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Being Property Once Myself" by Lucille Clifton is a succinct yet profound meditation on empathy, freedom, and the intrinsic connection between human and non-human forms of existence. Through the lens of her own experience with oppression, Clifton extends a broader contemplation on the nature of being and the rights of all beings—trees, other entities, and men—to self-determination and existence. This poem subtly intertwines themes of environmentalism, human rights, and the legacy of slavery, revealing the interconnectedness of all struggles for liberation.

The opening line, "being property once myself," immediately establishes a personal history of dehumanization and objectification, likely alluding to the historical enslavement of African Americans. This acknowledgment of past suffering serves as the foundation for Clifton's profound sense of empathy and understanding toward all forms of life that experience subjugation or exploitation. The phrase "i have a feeling for it," underscores a deep, visceral connection to the experience of being treated as property, rather than as a living, autonomous being.

Clifton's statement, "that’s why i can talk / about environment," links her personal history to a broader concern for the environment, suggesting that experiences of oppression can foster a unique sensitivity to the exploitation and degradation of the natural world. This perspective challenges conventional separations between social justice and environmentalism, positing them instead as intertwined struggles that stem from a common disregard for life and autonomy.

The assertion "what wants to be a tree, / ought to be he can be it" champions the right of all beings to exist freely and to fulfill their natural potential. By personifying a tree, Clifton emphasizes the intrinsic value and agency of non-human life, advocating for a relationship with the natural world that is based on respect and recognition of autonomy. This line resonates with a larger philosophical and ethical discourse around the rights of nature and the moral imperative to protect and honor the natural world.

The poem concludes with the inclusive statement, "same thing for other things. / same thing for men." This repetition reinforces the universality of the poem's message, asserting that the rights to autonomy and self-determination extend to all entities, human and non-human alike. Clifton's use of the word "men" in the final line serves to encapsulate humanity as a whole, underlining the poem's call for a broad empathy that transcends individual experiences of oppression to encompass a collective responsibility toward each other and the environment.

"Being Property Once Myself" is a powerful reflection on the interconnectedness of all struggles for freedom and recognition. Lucille Clifton's ability to draw from her personal history to articulate a universal message about empathy, environmentalism, and the right to be, showcases her profound poetic and philosophical vision. Through its concise yet impactful lines, the poem invites readers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world and with each other, advocating for a more compassionate, respectful, and interconnected existence.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...