Lucille Clifton, "New Year"

New Year

lucy
by sam
out of thelma
limps down a ramp
toward the rest of her life.
with too many candles
in her hair
she is a princess of
burning buildings
leaving the year that tried to consume her.
her hands are bright
as they witch for water
and even her tears cry
fire    fire
but she opens herself
to the risk of flame and
walks toward an ocean
of days.

 

Lucille Clifton

 

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