Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Atlas" by Lucille Clifton is a profound exploration of endurance, responsibility, and the inherent strength found in the act of carrying burdens. Through the metaphor of the earth itself—as suggested by the title, referencing the mythological figure Atlas who was condemned to hold up the sky or earth—Clifton delves into the personal and universal experience of bearing weight, both physical and emotional. The poem encapsulates the intimate relationship between the speaker and their burden, suggesting a deep familiarity and acceptance of this constant companion.

The opening line, "1 am used to the heft of it sitting against my rib," immediately introduces the reader to the weight that the speaker carries, a weight so familiar that it has become a part of their very being, pressing against their ribs, close to the heart. The use of "1" instead of "I" could be seen as a typographical play, emphasizing the singularity and isolation in carrying burdens, or it might simply be a way to draw attention to the personal nature of this admission.

Clifton beautifully utilizes geographic imagery to describe the burden—"used to the ridges of forest, used to the way my thumb slips into the sea as i pull it tight"—implying that the speaker's load is as vast and varied as the landscapes of the earth itself. This not only highlights the magnitude of what is carried but also the intricate knowledge the speaker has of their burden, familiar with every contour and feature, much like a map they have studied closely.

The phrase "something is sweet in the thick odor of flesh burning and sweating and bearing young" suggests that despite the overwhelming nature of the burden, there is an inherent value and even a certain pleasure in the struggle and effort of sustaining and nurturing life. This line speaks to the complexities of human experience—the pain and effort involved in creation and survival, but also the deep, often inexplicable, satisfaction and joy derived from these very processes.

Clifton concludes with "i have learned to carry it the way a poor man learns to carry everything," a powerful statement that speaks to resilience and adaptability. This comparison to a "poor man" who has learned to carry everything underscores the universality of bearing burdens, suggesting that while the specifics of what we carry may vary, the act of carrying, of persevering, is a shared human experience. It points to the resourcefulness and strength that emerge from necessity, from having to endure and continue despite the odds.

"Atlas" is a poignant reflection on the weight of existence and the human capacity to adapt to and bear that weight. Clifton's imagery and metaphorical language transform the personal act of carrying burdens into a universal narrative of resilience, endurance, and the bittersweet nature of human experience. Through this poem, Clifton invites readers to recognize and honor their own strengths in the face of life's challenges, suggesting that there is beauty and dignity in the act of enduring and carrying on.

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