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SARAH'S PROMISE, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"Sarah's Promise" by Lucille Clifton offers a deeply introspective and poignant reimagining of the biblical story of Sarah and Abraham, exploring themes of faith, sacrifice, and maternal protectiveness. Through Sarah’s perspective, Clifton delves into the complex emotions surrounding the promise made by Jehovah to Abraham of numerous descendants, and the subsequent demand for sacrifice. This poem stands as a meditation on the intersections of divine will, human desire, and the fierce love of a mother for her child.

The poem begins with Sarah’s acknowledgment of her own longing and the miraculous fulfillment of that desire in her old age, "who understands better than i / the hunger in old bones / for a son?" This opening line immediately situates the reader within Sarah's personal narrative, emphasizing her deep yearning for a child and the fulfillment of that desire as a pivotal moment in her life. The mention of "old bones" not only highlights Sarah's advanced age at the time of Isaac's birth but also the depth of her longing that had persisted through the years.

As the poem progresses, the juxtaposition of "abraham with his faith / and i my fury" presents a striking contrast between Abraham's unwavering belief in Jehovah's promises and Sarah's righteous anger. This fury can be interpreted as stemming from her protective instincts as a mother, her skepticism towards the divine demand for sacrifice, or a combination of both. Clifton captures the internal conflict that arises when divine mandates clash with human emotions and relationships.

The phrase "i march into the thicket / of your need and promise you / the children of young women" symbolizes Sarah's bold intervention in the divine narrative. By offering the descendants of "young women" to fulfill Jehovah's promise, Sarah attempts to negotiate the safety of her "one good boy." This act of bargaining with the divine reveals her desperation to protect Isaac from harm, showcasing the depth of her maternal love and her willingness to challenge even the will of God to spare her son.

The final lines, "their faith will send them to you, / docile as abraham. now, / speak to my husband. / spare me my one good boy," further emphasize Sarah's plea for divine mercy. She contrasts the future generations’ docility and faith with her immediate, visceral need to protect Isaac. The poem concludes with a direct appeal to Jehovah to communicate with Abraham and reconsider the demand for Isaac's sacrifice, underscoring Sarah's role as both a mother fiercely defending her child and a woman daring to question and negotiate with divine authority.

"Sarah's Promise" is a testament to Clifton's skill in reinterpreting biblical narratives through a contemporary lens, providing depth and nuance to the characters within these ancient stories. By focusing on Sarah's perspective, Clifton offers a meditation on the themes of faith, sacrifice, and maternal love, exploring the complexities of divine-human interactions and the enduring power of a mother's love to challenge and transcend even the most divine of commands.


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