Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Song of Mary" by Lucille Clifton presents a serene and intimate portrayal of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a young maiden living a moment of calm and simplicity before the onset of her profound spiritual and historical significance. Clifton's poem invites the reader into a quiet, reflective space, far removed from the grand narratives often associated with Mary, focusing instead on a personal, humanized moment of her life. Through this lens, Clifton explores themes of innocence, anticipation, and the quiet before a transformative event, all while grounding the extraordinary in the everyday.

The poem begins with the phrase "somewhere it being yesterday," immediately setting a tone of reminiscence and timelessness. This opening line evokes a sense of looking back to a moment that is both specific in its ordinariness and universal in its significance. The use of "yesterday" suggests a moment just before a significant change, hinting at the cusp of Mary's transition from maidenhood to her role as the mother of Jesus.

Clifton's depiction of Mary as "a maiden in my mother’s house" emphasizes her youth and innocence, as well as her connection to the lineage of women. This setting within her mother's house, a space of familial comfort and tradition, underscores the deeply personal and human aspect of Mary's experience, distancing the narrative from the larger theological implications to focus on the individual.

The mention of "the animals silent outside" and "is morning" paints a picture of a tranquil, almost idyllic scene, further emphasizing the quietness and simplicity of this moment in Mary's life. The silence of the animals and the early time of day contribute to the sense of peace and anticipation, a world holding its breath before the dawn of a new era.

Clifton's reference to "princes sitting on thrones in the east / studying the incomprehensible heavens" subtly introduces the broader cosmic and historical context of Mary's story without disturbing the poem's intimate focus. This line hints at the wise men and the celestial signs that will herald the birth of Jesus, connecting Mary's personal experience to the wider narrative of the Nativity.

The imagery of Joseph "carving a table somewhere / in another place" serves as a reminder of the ordinary lives and labors that continue alongside the unfolding of momentous events. Joseph's distant presence in the poem reflects his supportive role in the biblical narrative, as well as the separation between Mary's inner experience and the world around her.

The final lines, "i watching my mother. / i smiling an ordinary smile," bring the focus back to Mary's perspective, capturing a moment of contentment and simplicity. The ordinary smile suggests a sense of peace and unawareness of the magnitude of what is to come, highlighting the human ability to find joy and tranquility even on the brink of life-changing events.

"A Song of Mary" by Lucille Clifton is a delicate and profound meditation on the moments of stillness and simplicity that precede great transformations. Through the lens of Mary's experience, Clifton explores the beauty of the ordinary, the sacredness of the everyday, and the quiet anticipation that precedes the unfolding of destiny. The poem invites readers to reflect on the intersections of the personal and the historical, the human and the divine, reminding us of the quiet moments of grace that precede the monumental chapters of our lives.

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