the mississippi river empties into the gulf

and the gulf enters the sea and so forth,
none of them emptying anything,
all of them carrying yesterday
forever on their white tipped backs,
all of them dragging forward tomorrow.
it is the great circulation
of the earth’s body, like the blood
of the gods, this river in which the past
is always flowing. every water
is the same water coming round.
everyday someone is standing on the edge
of this river, staring into time,
whispering mistakenly:
only here. only now.

Analysis, meaning and summary of Lucille Clifton's poem the mississippi river empties into the gulf

6 Comments

  1. Linda says:

    So much for being in the moment…

  2. […] “The Mississippi River Empties Into the Gulf” by Lucille Clifton […]

  3. […] “The Mississippi River Empties Into the Gulf” by Lucille Clifton […]

  4. […] “The Mississippi River Empties Into the Gulf” by Lucille Clifton […]

  5. […] "The Mississippi River Empties Into the Gulf" by Lucille Clifton […]

  6. Jon Carlsten says:

    I have subscribed.
    I look forward to the morning.

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