具体描述
Lucille Clifton's poetry carries her deep concerns for the world's children, the stratification of American society, those people lost or forgotten amid the crushing race of Western materialism and technology. In turns sad, troubled and angry, her voice has always been one of great empathy, knowing, as she says, "the only mercy is memory." In this, her 12th book of poetry, the National Book Award-winner speaks to the tenuous relationship between mothers and daughters, the debilitating power of cancer, the open wound of racial prejudice, the redemptive gift of story-telling. "September Song," a sequence of seven poems, featured on National Public Radio, presents a modern-day Orpheus who, through her grief, attempts to heart-intelligently respond to the events of September 11th. The last sequence of poems-a tightly-woven fabric of caveats and prayers-was initially written in the 1970s, then revised and reshaped in the last few years.Lucille Clifton is an award-winning poet, fiction writer and author of children's books. Her most recent poetry book, "Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems 19691999" (BOA), won the 2000 National Book Award for Poetry. Two of Clifton's BOA poetry collections, "Good Woman: Poems and a Memoir 19691980" and "Next: New Poems," were chosen as finalists for the Pulitzer Prize in 1988, while Clifton's "The Terrible Stories" (BOA) was a finalist for the 1996 National Book Award. Clifton has received fellowships from the NEA, an Emmy Award from the American Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Shelley Memorial Prize and the Charity Randall Citation. She is a Distinguished Professor of Humanities as St. Mary's College in Maryland. She was appointed a Fellow of The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and elected as Chancellor of The Academy of American Poets in 1999. She lives in Columbia, MD.
Mercy: A Poetic Journey Through the Human Condition "Mercy" is more than just a collection of poems; it is an expansive and deeply resonant exploration of the human experience, delving into the multifaceted nature of compassion, forgiveness, and the inherent fragility that binds us all. This volume, curated with an discerning eye for lyrical beauty and profound thematic coherence, invites readers on a journey that traverses the peaks of joy and the valleys of despair, always seeking the illuminating grace of mercy in its myriad forms. The collection is structured not as a linear narrative, but rather as a tapestry woven from diverse voices, styles, and perspectives. Each poem, a self-contained universe, contributes to a larger, overarching dialogue about what it means to be human in a world often characterized by harshness and judgment. The poets featured within "Mercy" hail from various backgrounds and epochs, their verses united by a shared commitment to plumbing the depths of our emotional and ethical landscapes. This anthology serves as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to articulate the ineffable, to offer solace in times of tribulation, and to remind us of the fundamental interconnectedness that underlies our individual existences. At its core, "Mercy" interrogates the very essence of this elusive quality. It probes its origins, its manifestations, and its transformative potential. The poems explore mercy not only as an act of outward generosity extended to others, but also as an inward grace, a self-compassion that allows for imperfection and vulnerability. We encounter mercy in the quiet act of understanding a stranger's pain, in the courage to forgive past transgressions, and in the resilience of the human spirit that continues to strive for connection and redemption even in the face of profound suffering. The thematic range within "Mercy" is as broad as life itself. Love, in its tenderest and most agonizing forms, is a recurring motif. Poems explore the exhilarating bloom of new affection, the quiet contentment of enduring partnership, and the desolate ache of lost love. Yet, the anthology doesn't shy away from the complexities and challenges that love often entails. It examines the sacrifices it demands, the vulnerabilities it exposes, and the ways in which forgiveness becomes an essential element for love’s survival and growth. Loss and grief are confronted with unflinching honesty. The poems bear witness to the profound impact of absence, the lingering echoes of those who are no longer with us, and the arduous process of mourning. However, even within the darkness of grief, the threads of mercy emerge. They are found in the cherished memories that sustain us, in the understanding that pain is a testament to the depth of our love, and in the eventual, often fragile, acceptance that allows for a tentative return to life. The collection also grapples with societal injustices and the human capacity for cruelty. Poems address the scars left by prejudice, discrimination, and violence, highlighting the urgent need for empathy and a willingness to acknowledge the suffering of others. In these verses, mercy becomes a radical act of resistance, a refusal to succumb to cynicism, and a persistent call for a more just and humane world. It is a recognition of our shared humanity, even with those whose actions have caused deep wounds. The natural world serves as a potent source of metaphor and inspiration throughout "Mercy." The cycles of birth, death, and rebirth mirrored in the seasons, the quiet strength of ancient trees, and the vast, indifferent beauty of the cosmos all contribute to a deeper understanding of our place in the universe. These natural elements often evoke a sense of awe and wonder, prompting reflection on the larger forces that shape our lives and the delicate balance of existence. They offer a perspective that can dwarf individual struggles, yet simultaneously underscore the preciousness of each fleeting moment. The language employed by the poets in "Mercy" is as varied and captivating as the themes they explore. Some verses are characterized by their stark simplicity, their power residing in the unadorned truth of their observations. Others are rich with intricate imagery and soaring metaphors, crafting lyrical landscapes that transport the reader. The collection showcases a mastery of poetic forms, from the disciplined structure of the sonnet to the free-flowing exploration of free verse. This stylistic diversity ensures that "Mercy" offers something for every reader, catering to a wide spectrum of aesthetic preferences while maintaining a consistent depth of emotional and intellectual engagement. The very act of reading "Mercy" can be an exercise in cultivating compassion. By immersing ourselves in the diverse experiences and perspectives presented, we are invited to step outside our own limited viewpoints and to connect with the shared vulnerabilities and aspirations that define our common humanity. The poems challenge us to examine our own judgments, to extend understanding to those who differ from us, and to recognize the ways in which we too have experienced and offered mercy, often without consciously naming it as such. This anthology is a powerful reminder that mercy is not a passive sentiment but an active force, a conscious choice to respond to the world with kindness, empathy, and a recognition of our shared fragility. It is a force that can heal wounds, bridge divides, and foster a deeper sense of connection and belonging. The poems within "Mercy" serve as beacons, illuminating paths toward greater understanding and encouraging us to embrace the transformative power of compassion in our own lives. Furthermore, "Mercy" is not a didactic text, dictating a single path to redemption or enlightenment. Instead, it offers a spectrum of contemplations, allowing readers to find their own resonance and meaning within the verses. The ambiguity inherent in some of the poems encourages personal interpretation and ongoing reflection, making the experience of reading "Mercy" a dynamic and evolving one. It is a book to be revisited, each encounter revealing new layers of meaning and prompting fresh insights. The impact of "Mercy" extends beyond the individual reader. By fostering a greater appreciation for compassion and understanding, it contributes to a broader cultural conversation about the values that underpin a healthy and thriving society. In a world often fragmented by division and conflict, the message of mercy offered by these poems is more vital than ever. It is a call to action, urging us to cultivate empathy, to practice forgiveness, and to strive for a world where kindness and understanding are not exceptions but the norm. In essence, "Mercy" is an invitation to embrace our shared humanity, to recognize the profound beauty and inherent worth in every individual, and to cultivate the grace that can transform both our inner lives and the world around us. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to illuminate the darkest corners of the human heart and to reveal the radiant light of compassion that persists, even in the most challenging circumstances. This collection stands as a profound and moving exploration of what it means to be truly human, and the vital role that mercy plays in navigating the complexities of our existence.
