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TO A DARK MOSES, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"To a Dark Moses" by Lucille Clifton is a deeply evocative and richly symbolic poem that draws upon biblical imagery to explore themes of passion, divine calling, and transformation. Clifton, renowned for her ability to weave together personal and universal themes with profound emotional depth, utilizes the figures of Moses and the burning bush to convey a complex interplay of desire, spiritual awakening, and resilience.

The poem begins with a direct address to "a Dark Moses," immediately setting a tone of intimacy and reverence. This figure is not only a reference to the biblical Moses but also suggests a broader archetype representing leadership, deliverance, and spiritual guidance. The adjective "Dark" may allude to the physical appearance of this Moses, imbuing the character with racial identity and connecting the biblical narrative to contemporary themes of African American experience and struggle.

The speaker declares, "you are the one / i am lit for," employing a pun on the word "lit" to signify both being illuminated in Moses' presence and being ignited with passion or purpose. This line establishes a profound connection between the speaker and Moses, positioning the speaker as both a follower and a counterpart, ready to be guided or transformed by Moses' leadership.

The invocation of Moses' "rod / that twists / and is a serpent" references the biblical story in which Moses' staff transforms into a serpent before Pharaoh, a sign of divine power. This imagery conveys a sense of dynamic change and the potential for the miraculous, suggesting that the speaker is ready to witness and participate in acts of transformation and revelation.

The speaker identifies as "the bush," specifically the burning bush through which God spoke to Moses in the Book of Exodus. This identification is powerful and multifaceted: the burning bush is a symbol of divine presence, communication, and a call to a greater purpose. By stating "i am burning / i am not consumed," the speaker expresses a state of being aflame with passion, purpose, or divine inspiration without being destroyed by it. This line captures the essence of spiritual and emotional resilience—the ability to endure and be transformed by intense experiences without losing one's essence.

"To a Dark Moses" is a testament to Lucille Clifton's skill in layering meanings and invoking rich imagery to delve into the complexities of identity, spiritual longing, and the pursuit of purpose. Through the interplay of biblical allusion and personal declaration, Clifton crafts a narrative of awakening and readiness for transformation, challenging readers to consider their own responses to calls for leadership, change, and self-realization. The poem stands as a powerful exploration of the intersections between the divine, the personal, and the communal in the journey toward fulfillment and liberation.


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