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If i should enter the house and speak with my own voice…

“If i should enter the house and speak with my own voice, at last, about its awful furnitutre, pulling apart the covering over the dusty bodies; the randy father, the husband holding ice in his hand like a blessing, the mother bleeding into herself and the small imploding girl, i say if i should…” quote by Lucille Clifton
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“If i should enter the house and speak with my own voice, at last, about its awful furnitutre, pulling apart the covering over the dusty bodies; the randy father, the husband holding ice in his hand like a blessing, the mother bleeding into herself and the small imploding girl, i say if i should walk into that web, who will come flying after me, leaping tall buildings? you?”

Lucille Clifton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poet describes a chaotic, painful family scene, confronting trauma and the weight of inherited suffering

In simple terms: Family pain is heavy and visible

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge and heal family wounds

Themes

trauma family memory

Mood

somber introspective

Type

poetic reflective

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • family gatherings
  • writing workshops

Key Concepts

Intergenerational trauma poetic narrative

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your family history shape you?
  • What steps can you take toward healing?
A Different Perspective

Healing may be painful and slow

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