Clifton, Lucille : homage to my hips

Literature Annotations

	On-Line Audio
Genre	Poem
Keywords	Body Self-Image, Freedom, Individuality, Sexuality
Summary	these hips are big hips says the woman narrator, as she begins a 15 line celebration of her body and its power. With rhythmic progression, the poem evokes the forward movement of swaying hips--hips that "have never been enslaved", that are "mighty" and "magic" and can "put a spell on a man . . . . "
Commentary	Clifton captures the inseparable reality and symbolism of the body. She uses her body to assert and express selfhood--she accepts it as is, and turns it to her advantage. The body as sexual vehicle is acknowledged, but this body, this person is in charge.
Source	good woman: poems and a memoir, 1969-1980
Publisher	BOA
Edition	1987
Place Published	Brockport, N.Y.
Annotated by	Aull, Felice
Date of Entry	08/13/96
Last Revised	11/15/06