won’t you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
■
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
■
Lucille Clifton’s “won’t you celebrate with me” can be found in Book of Light (1993). Washington, DC celebrates Emancipation Day on April 16 each year.
Poet Lucille Clifton was also featured for Poem-a-day, April 22, 2019, Poem-a-day, April 5, 2017, and Poem-a-day, April 2, 2008.
Poet Lucille Clifton was also featured for Poem-a-day, April 22, 2019, Poem-a-day, April 5, 2017, and Poem-a-day, April 2, 2008.