Poetry

I'm reading a book by local poet Sage Cohen, called Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry. I wish I was far enough into it to be inspired in response to Susan's challenge to write some poetry, but my poetic synapses don't seem to be firing yet because I can't even come up with so much as a haiku.

So here's a poem by Lucille Clifton. What I like about it is the way she uses one part of her body to represent acceptance of herself. Instead of worrying that her hips are too big, she equates their size with power and freedom. Listen to her read it on Poets.org: Clifton's voice and expression really make the poem live.

Homage to My Hips

these hips are big hips.
they need space to
move around in.
they don't fit into little
petty places. these hips
are free hips.
they don't like to be held back.
these hips have never been enslaved,
they go where they want to go
they do what they want to do.
these hips are mighty hips.
these hips are magic hips.
i have known them
to put a spell on a man and
spin him like a top

The next edition of the C.O.R.A. Diversity Roll Call will be found right here, this Friday. The topic? Here's a hint from President Obama.