1320: mulberry fields by Lucille Clifton

Summary

Summary of Episode 1320: "Mulberry Fields" by Lucille Clifton

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
• Host: Major Jackson
• Producer: American Public Media in partnership with The Poetry Foundation
• Release Date: March 27, 2025
• Episode Focus: "Mulberry Fields" by Lucille Clifton

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Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 1320 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson delves into the profound themes of history, memory, and resistance through the lens of Lucille Clifton's poignant poem, "Mulberry Fields." The episode intertwines Jackson's personal reflections on historical site visits with a thoughtful analysis of Clifton's work, offering listeners a rich tapestry of poetry and contemplation.

Major Jackson’s Reflections on Historical Sites [00:17 - 05:00]

Personal Experiences: Major Jackson begins by sharing his deep interest in American history, particularly his visits to significant historical sites. He recounts his visit to a sugar plantation in New Orleans during the late 1990s, contrasting it with his curiosity about Monticello. However, he admits, "I'll probably never tour a plantation again for obvious reasons" ([00:24]).

Emotional Impact: Jackson describes his visit to Oak Alley Plantation as the most emotional of his historical explorations, highlighting the stark contrast between the plantation's idyllic scenery and its brutal history. He notes, "The meticulously maintained gardens and pastoral grounds with the view of the Mississippi River belied a history of violence and subjugation" ([00:35]).

Critique of Historical Narratives: He critiques how these sites traditionally focus on the narratives of slaveholding families and their leisurely activities, intentionally omitting the stories of enslaved Africans. Jackson reflects, "Not one name of one enslaved African or that of one of their descendants was uttered" ([00:42]). He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these erased histories, stating, "The forced labor and contributions of enslaved men, women, and children were erased, the harsh realities of those unnamed black people were ever present" ([00:50]).

Modern Understanding and Historical Presentation: Jackson contrasts past presentations with current practices, praising the minimal display of census records that recognize the contributions of enslaved individuals. He asserts, "Fortunately, today I understand it is standard practice to minimally display census records" ([00:55]). However, he laments the ongoing efforts to obscure this painful history, noting, "We've moved to banning books and curriculum that tell this story" ([01:05]).

Role of Poetry in Healing: Transitioning to the role of poetry, Jackson believes that American poetry serves as a gentle mediator for the nation's complex history. He posits, "American poetry gently mediates our rich and complicated history. It points the way to healing and affirms timeless values that secure all Americans freedoms" ([01:15]).

Analysis of "Mulberry Fields" by Lucille Clifton [05:01 - 06:45]

Introduction to the Poem: Jackson introduces Lucille Clifton’s "Mulberry Fields" as a reflection of resistance and the enduring spirit of those who suffered under slavery. He connects the poem to his earlier reflections on historical sites, suggesting that poetry captures the subtle and profound acts of defiance that history often overlooks.

Recitation of the Poem: He recites "Mulberry Fields," emphasizing lines that highlight the resilience and silent strength of the enslaved:

• "I say that the stones marked an old tongue and it was called Eternity and pointed toward the river." ([05:20])
• "I say that after that collection no pillow in the big house dreamed." ([05:45])
• "I say that somewhere under here molders one called Alice, whose great grandson is old now too, and refuses to talk about slavery." ([06:00])
• "I say that at the master's table only one plate is set for supper." ([06:15])
• "Once planted, then forsaken wild berries warm a field of bones bloom how you must, I say." ([06:30])

Interpretation and Insights: After the recitation, Jackson interprets the poem as a testament to the subtle forms of resistance employed by the enslaved. He explains how the act of gathering and rearranging stones symbolized an attempt to create a new language and assert their existence and humanity amidst oppressive circumstances. Jackson highlights the imagery of "wild berries warm a field of bones" as a powerful metaphor for life flourishing even in the darkest conditions.

Connecting Past and Present: Jackson connects the poem's themes to contemporary issues, urging listeners to remember and honor the past rather than erase it. He warns against the dangers of willful ignorance and the importance of education in healing historical wounds. By invoking "Mulberry Fields," he underscores the enduring legacy of resistance and the need for collective remembrance.

Conclusions and Reflections [06:46 - End]

Final Thoughts: In concluding the episode, Jackson reiterates the significance of poetry in preserving and interpreting history. He emphasizes that poems like "Mulberry Fields" offer a means to grapple with and transcend past injustices, fostering a path toward healing and understanding.

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to engage with poetry as a daily ritual, integrating it into their routines to inspire reflection and connection. Jackson invites the audience to participate in upcoming events and to explore the rich back catalog of The Slowdown for further poetic journeys.

Notable Quotes:

• "American poetry gently mediates our rich and complicated history. It points the way to healing and affirms timeless values that secure all Americans freedoms." – Major Jackson ([01:15])
• "I say that the stones marked an old tongue and it was called Eternity and pointed toward the river." – From "Mulberry Fields" by Lucille Clifton ([05:20])
• "Once planted, then forsaken wild berries warm a field of bones bloom how you must, I say." – From "Mulberry Fields" by Lucille Clifton ([06:30])

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Final Remarks

Episode 1320 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily offers a deeply moving exploration of America's historical traumas and the quiet resilience of those who endured them, as captured in Lucille Clifton's "Mulberry Fields." Through Major Jackson's insightful commentary and the evocative power of poetry, listeners are invited to pause, reflect, and engage with the enduring narratives that shape our collective consciousness.

Transcript

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[Major Jackson]

The AWP 2025 conference in LA? Join the Slowdown show for a live off site event with me, Major Padraic Otooma, Jason Snyderman and Samia Bashir for poetry, conversation and some fun and games. Friday, March 28th at 7pm at the Crawford in Pasadena. [e-mail] events I'm Major Jackson and this is the Slowdown. A history buff, I have journeyed to many historic sites throughout the country. On one occasion I visited a sugar plantation. This was during my years in New Orleans. Although I have always been curious about Monticello, I'll probably never tour a plantation again for obvious reasons. Walking the grounds of Oak Alley was the most emotional of my historic visits. This was unlike visiting the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia or Mark Twain's house in Hartford, Connecticut. The meticulously maintained gardens and pastoral grounds with the view of the Mississippi river belied a history of violence and subjugation. This was back in the late 1990s. The power of ethically presenting such history had not fully taken hold, so the whole tour covered the story of the slaveholding families, Georgian architecture and furniture, activities of the leisure class such as needlework and horseback riding. Not one name of one enslaved African or that of one of their descendants was uttered. Fortunately, today I understand it is standard practice to minimally display census records. Although the forced labor and contributions of enslaved men, women and children were erased, the harsh realities of those unnamed black people were ever present. My heart sank looking at the crude slave quarters just up the path from the opulent mansion. At the display of ankle chains next to farm tools, even the trees felt menacing. I know many would rather we forget this moment in our country's history. We've moved to banning books and curriculum that tell this story. I too want our dark chapter to have less of a hold on imaginations and and policies, but not in exchange for a willful ignorance. Historical markers alone will not heal the scars of the past, nor do they pay the debt of human bondage. American poetry gently mediates our rich and complicated history. It points the way to healing and affirms timeless values that secure all Americans freedoms. Today's poem captures a small act of resistance on a different plantation that also occupied my mind on the tour. How did the subjugated fight for their bodies, their dignity, their freedoms? Mulberry Fields by Lucille Clifton they thought the field was wasting and so they gathered the marker rocks and stones and piled them into a barn. They say that the rocks were shaped, some of them scratched with triangles and other forms. They must have been trying to invent some new language. They say the rocks went to build that wall there guarding the manor, and some few were used for the state House crops refused to grow. I say the stones marked an old tongue and it was called Eternity and pointed toward the river. I say that after that collection no pillow in the big house dreamed. I say that somewhere under here molders one called Alice, whose great grandson is old now too, and refuses to talk about slavery. I say that at the master's table only one plate is set for supper. I say no seed can flourish on this ground. Once planted, then forsaken wild berries warm a field of bones bloom how you must, I say. The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. This project is also supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. On the [e-mail] to get a poem delivered to you daily, go to slowdownshow.org and sign up for our newsletter and find us on Instagram atdowndownshow and blueskylowdownshow.org.

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