Lucille Clifton's Poem 'Homage To My Hips'

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Lucille Clifton’s “homage to my hips” is a 15 stanza long poem dedicated to the author’s hips. Clifton takes subject matter that may be embarrassing to some and embraces it; suggesting that her hips, while large, are free and magical. Written in 1987, “homage to my hips,” depicts an empowered woman who appreciates her body and is confident in her form. It’s humorous and exact language immediately addresses the issues women face regarding their bodies and sends the message that the social codes surrounding women should be struck down. I enjoyed reading this poem and appreciated the message that it successfully conveyed.
I initially decided to read “homage to my hips” because of it’s title. While flipping through the Table of Contents in “Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing”, the title instantly intrigued me. After reading the title, I assumed that the poem’s subject matter would involve the author’s hips, and I hoped that the poem would suggest that hips should be praised instead of shunned and that it would be written by a woman. I imagined a poem that embraced the authors figure and relayed the message that people should not feel confined to society’s expectations. I also …show more content…
“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,” (8-10). I found it very important that Clifton was voicing the idea that her hips were free. It is very common for women to feel confined by the poor outlook many have on body shapes. Not only were the author’s hips characterized as free, but also enchanted. “these hips are mighty hips./these hips are magical hips,” (11-12). Giving her hips such mystical qualities was extremely self empowering. As a woman, I can identify with the tendency people have to feel burdened by their bodies. Imagining your body as something magical can be an incredible way to find
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