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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

BREAKLIGHT, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"Breaklight" by Lucille Clifton is a contemplative poem that explores themes of enlightenment, connection to the natural world, and the intergenerational transmission of fear and understanding. Through the recurring motif of light and its perpetual 'breaking,' Clifton captures the continuous unveiling of knowledge and insight, juxtaposing it with the intimate, often hidden, language of nature and the deeply personal realm of inherited fears.

The opening line, "Light keeps on breaking," immediately introduces the idea of revelation or illumination that is not a singular event but an ongoing process. Light, in its literal and metaphorical sense, represents awareness, discovery, and understanding that gradually unfolds or 'breaks' into the consciousness of the speaker. This breaking light is both a source of enlightenment and a symbol of the relentless passage of time, revealing truths and insights as life progresses.

Clifton's assertion, "I keep on knowing / the language of other nations," extends the theme of understanding beyond human interactions to include a profound communion with the natural world. This knowledge of "Tree talk" and "Water words" suggests an intuitive or learned ability to perceive and comprehend the subtle communications of nature. Clifton elevates these natural phenomena to the status of 'nations,' acknowledging their sovereignty and the richness of their unspoken languages. This connection to the environment speaks to a deeper awareness and respect for the world beyond human society, highlighting the poet's sense of unity with all forms of life.

The repeated phrase "And I keep knowing what they mean" emphasizes the speaker's continuous deepening of understanding and connection to these natural languages. This persistent enlightenment reflects a life attentive to and in harmony with the surrounding world, suggesting a wisdom that transcends the superficial distractions of everyday human existence.

The poem takes a personal turn with the lines "Last night, the fears of my mother came knocking / And when I opened the door / They tried to explain themselves." Here, Clifton touches on the inheritance of fears and anxieties from one generation to the next, personifying these fears as visitors seeking entrance and understanding. This encounter represents a moment of confrontation and reconciliation with the past, with the speaker not only recognizing but also comprehending the fears handed down from her mother.

The closing line, "And I understood / Everything they said," signifies a moment of profound empathy and insight. The speaker's acknowledgment and understanding of her mother's fears illustrate the poem's overarching theme of continuous enlightenment. This moment of clarity is both a personal and universal revelation, connecting the speaker's journey of understanding to the broader human experience of grappling with inherited anxieties and seeking peace.

"Breaklight" is a meditative exploration of the layers of awareness that define human experience, from our communion with the natural world to our navigation of personal and inherited fears. Clifton's poetic vision invites readers to consider their own relationships with the environment, their ancestors, and the continuous breaking light of understanding that shapes our journey through life.


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