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08/08/2005 Entry: "Poetry for Dad"

I was reading some poetry the other night, when I came across this one. I was first introduced to Lucille Clifton in college. I liked her hard-hitting, no punches, urban style. I tend to prefer poets who use fewer words, and let my mind fill in the blanks. Stuff that goes on and on is too drawn out for me. Wordsworth? Please. Anyway, I was reading a "greatest hits" of Clifton called "good woman: poems and a memoir, 1969-1980." This one really tugged at me, especially with Dad in the hospital.

Prayer

lighten up

why is your hand
so heavy
on just poor
me?

answer

this is the stuff
i made the heroes
out of
all the saints
and prophets and things
had to come by
this