RATTLE Poetry Editor Stellasue Lee introduced Lucille Clifton by saying she had bathed in the well of Wisdom. After listening to her read her poetry, I believe her.
Lucille Clifton is my new hero. Many writers claim to be honest, unpretentious, or unaffected by what others think, but Ms. Clifton may be the first person I've encountered who truly exemplifies all these traits. If I ever grow up, she will be my role model; this woman is not afraid of anything. She's never let anything stop her - not poverty, not cancer, not the judgement of narrow-minded people. And having conquered these things (repeatedly), she was able to stand before us smiling, no trace of bitterness to be found. On Sunday afternoon at the Skirball Center, in between sometimes heartrending and always beautiful poems, she told us she first got published "when my children were 7, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1." Okay - no more excuses for the rest of us about not having time to write! After a generous sampling of her work, she answered impromptu questions from the audience and occasionally had us in stitches. If you get the opportunity, go see this woman. And read "Homage to My Hips." Part of the Rattle Series - for more info check out www.skirball.org and www.rattle.com
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