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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

THE COMING OF FOX, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"The Coming of Fox" by Lucille Clifton is a deeply evocative poem that explores themes of fear, connection, and transformation through the symbolic presence of a fox. Clifton, celebrated for her concise yet profound explorations of life’s complexities, uses the figure of the fox to delve into the boundaries between the self and the other, the known and the unknown. This poem, like much of her work, draws on elements of the natural world to illuminate human emotions and experiences.

The poem begins with the speaker returning to find "a red fox / haunched by my door." The fox’s presence is unexpected and initially provokes fear, a primal response to the unfamiliar. Yet, there is an immediate recognition of a deeper connection, as the speaker acknowledges the fox's understanding that "no enemy comes here." This line subtly shifts the narrative from one of fear to one of potential understanding and mutual respect between human and animal, suggesting a shared knowledge or recognition that transcends spoken language.

As the poem progresses, the fox returns "next night again / then next then next," establishing a pattern that transforms the initial encounter into a ritual of sorts. The fox’s consistent presence in "her safe shadow" juxtaposes the speaker’s growing sense of wonder and introspection. The fox, silent and observant, becomes a mirror for the speaker, reflecting a process of inner exploration and change.

The final lines, "silent as my skin bleeds / into long bright flags / of fur," signify a profound transformation. The imagery of skin bleeding into fur evokes a metamorphosis, blurring the lines between human and animal, self and other. This transformation can be interpreted as the speaker's growing empathy and identification with the natural world, symbolized by the fox. The "long bright flags of fur" suggest a celebration or an embrace of this new connection, a recognition of the beauty and freedom found in embracing the wild, instinctual parts of oneself.

"The Coming of Fox" is a testament to Clifton’s ability to convey complex emotional landscapes with striking imagery and brevity. Through the figure of the fox, Clifton invites readers to contemplate their own fears, the possibilities of connection across seemingly insurmountable boundaries, and the transformative power of opening oneself to the unknown. This poem encourages a reevaluation of the self in relation to the natural world, advocating for a deeper, more intuitive understanding of the bonds that connect all living beings.


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