Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Wife" by Lucille Clifton is a profound exploration of the dynamics within romantic and marital relationships, portrayed through the metaphor of water and swimming. This poem succinctly captures themes of attraction, risk, and resilience in the face of potential harm within intimate partnerships. Clifton, known for her poignant and powerful commentary on the lives and experiences of women, uses this metaphor to delve into the complexities of love, dependency, and survival.

The opening lines, "we are some of us / born for the water," immediately establish a connection between the speaker and the element of water, suggesting a natural inclination or destiny toward navigating the depths of relationships. The imagery of beginning "at once / swimming toward him" conveys a sense of immediacy and purpose, highlighting the magnetic draw towards the partner, viewed here as both a destination and a challenge.

The use of "we sight him / we circle him like a ring" further develops this metaphor, portraying the women as both observers and participants in this aquatic dance of courtship and connection. Circling "like a ring" suggests unity and containment but also a continuous, potentially cautious, approach to the relationship. This imagery encapsulates the balance between desire for closeness and the need for careful evaluation in intimate bonds.

Clifton introduces a stark consideration of risk with the lines "if he does not drown us we stay. / if he does / we swim like a fish for his brother." This conditional statement starkly addresses the potential for harm within relationships, acknowledging that staying is contingent upon not being metaphorically drowned by the partner. The choice of "drown" as the verb emphasizes the depth of possible harm, equating emotional or psychological damage with physical peril.

The concluding turn, "we swim like a fish for his brother," introduces a surprising resilience and a continuation of the search for connection, even in the aftermath of a harmful relationship. This line suggests a relentless pursuit of love and companionship, despite the risks involved. The metaphorical movement from one partner to another, referenced as "his brother," could imply a cycle of hope and disappointment, but also the undeterred spirit of those who, despite adversity, continue to seek fulfillment and love.

"Wife" is a testament to Lucille Clifton's ability to convey complex emotional landscapes with concise and evocative imagery. Through the lens of water and swimming, Clifton navigates the intricacies of romantic relationships, capturing the blend of hope, danger, and endurance that characterizes the search for love and understanding. This poem invites readers to reflect on the nature of intimate bonds, the risks they entail, and the resilience of the human heart in the face of potential harm.

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