Friday, April 18, 2008

"homage to my hips" by Lucille Clifton

Audio, read by the poet

these hips are big hips
they need space to
move around in.
they don't fit into little
petty places. these hips
are free hips.
they don't like to be held back.
these hips have never been enslaved.
they go where they want to go.
they do what they want to do.
these hips are mighty hips.
these hips are magic hips.
i have known them
to put a spell on a man and
spin him like a top!

9 comments:

  1. That was awesome!

    My pants are applauding.

    Marilyn.

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  2. Sounds a bit like Maya Angelou. Love it!!


    ((I have a question unrelated to this post. I just received the ARC of "Morbibito." Long story, but our family splits time between two countries, so our brother-in-law collects mail when we're away and forwards it. Anyway, Can't wait to read it!!!! My question is: When I'm finished reading, do I post a review on my blog? Do I send comments to you if I see any 'mistakes?' Should I crit the book, or review it? The artwork on the cover is amazing, btw!!)

    Thanks! :-)

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  3. I want to paint this on a skirt...I may very well do just that!

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  4. painting it on a skirt...neat idea!

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  5. That is SUCH a cool idea.

    I like the way she says "These hips have never been enslaved". I'm learning to do the salsa and this poem seems like a pretty good summary of everything our hips are supposed to do :)

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  6. Cheryl,
    I am really curious...why did you post this poem. It's a good poem, but I can't figure out why someone as petite as you would pos it.

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  7. Sharon, I think this poem has a wonderful feminist spirit worth celebrating no matter our size. And I love love LOVE the sauciness of "spin him like a top!"

    Gbemi, I want to see that skirt!

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  8. You go girl! I think I spin my husband like a top. At least he pretends I do. :) We've been married for almost 23 years and he has loved me for bigger or smaller. I wish the same for you.

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