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TO MICHAL, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"To Michal" by Lucille Clifton explores themes of spiritual ecstasy, gender fluidity, and the complexity of intimate relationships through the biblical narrative of King David and Michal. Clifton draws upon the story from II Samuel 6:16, where Michal, the daughter of Saul and wife of David, watches David dance before the Lord with disdain in her heart. This poem delves into the internal experience of David during this moment of divine connection and juxtaposes it with the emotional distance between him and Michal, offering a nuanced perspective on the sacred and the profane within the context of their relationship.

The poem begins with a reference to physical intimacy, "moving and moaning / under our coverings," suggesting a closeness that is contrasted with the spiritual intimacy David experiences with God. Clifton uses this contrast to suggest that while there may be physical closeness between David and Michal, there is a deeper, spiritual experience that Michal cannot access or perhaps understand. The line "i could only guess / what women know" hints at a gap in understanding or experience between genders, but also at David's own exploration of his identity and role.

The transformative moment of the poem occurs when David, "in the open arms of God," feels himself become "man and woman / filling and emptying / all at once." This imagery suggests a transcendence of traditional gender roles and identities, emphasizing the fluidity and universality of the divine experience. Clifton captures the essence of spiritual ecstasy as an experience that transcends earthly concerns, including those of gender, inviting a reading of David's dance as an act of complete surrender and unity with the divine.

The "astonishment / of seed / dancing on the ground" serves as a powerful metaphor for creation, fertility, and the manifestation of joy and life. This line not only refers to the physical act of dancing but also to the potential for life and growth that comes from complete surrender to a higher power. It symbolizes the creative potential that exists within spiritual ecstasy and the joy of being fully present and alive in one's body and spirit.

The poem concludes with a poignant reflection on the nature of David's surrender, stating that what is relinquished is not something withheld from Michal but rather "michal from myself." This line suggests that the true act of surrender involves letting go of attachments and identities, including those defined by relationships. For David, the experience of dancing before the Lord is not just a moment of religious fervor but a profound act of self-liberation and discovery, freeing himself from the expectations and judgments of others, represented by Michal.

"To Michal" is a testament to Lucille Clifton's ability to weave deep spiritual and existential themes into the fabric of her poetry. Through her exploration of a biblical story, Clifton invites readers to consider the complexities of identity, the transformative power of spiritual experiences, and the ways in which we navigate the sacred and the profane in our relationships and inner lives.


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