Lucille Clifton's experiences as an African American living in a town inhabited primarily by Caucasians affected her decisions and goals in life. Growing up in a world filled with racism and gender discrimination, Clifton challenged and overcame stereotypes about black people and women. Despite her early struggles, Clifton writes about her problems as she strives to live life fully. As a child, Clifton remained grateful for her parents' “gifts of poetry and storytelling” (Lupton 18). These experiences as an African American living in a poor environment along with an enduring love for her community and family helped Clifton grow as a person and a poet. Therefore, she gained popularity for depicting African American youth and family life in her works. Overcoming all of his difficulties was probably the hardest thing to accomplish, and reflecting on it through poetry came naturally. As his lifestyle improved, Clifton's works and opportunities increased, allowing him to complete his education at various schools and become a published author. Lucille Clifton has stated many times that she believes a poet's job is to tell the truth about the world and about life (Lupton 2). Therefore, his poems were "generally short and precise," using "simple, easy-to-understand language" to transcend literal meaning through powerful imagery (Champion 76). Most of her famous poems came from her experience as an African-American woman raised in poverty. Critics recognize Clifton's "ability to create powerful, evocative images that express pride in her identity as a black woman" (Milne 113). However, although she loved music and the arts, it never occurred to Clifton that she would pursue a career in poetry...... middle of paper ...... des Clifton's characteristic poetic traits require the solitary application of lowercase letters, which is seen in his three poems "Good Times", "My Mama Moved Among the Days" and "Climbing". Works CitedChampion, Laurie. “Lucille Clifton” in Contemporary American Poets: An A to Z Guide. Cucinella, Catherine, ed. Westport: Greenwood Press, 2002. 75-78.Print. “Lucille Clifton Sample Poems and Analysis.” ECHOES: great inspiring poets Young writers. Internet. April 1, 2010.Lupton, Mary Jane. Lucille Clifton: her life and letters. Westport: Praeger Publishers, 2006. Print. Milne, Ira Mark, ed. “Climbing: Lucille Clifton.” Poetry for students. Volume 14. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007. Print. Thuers, Naomi. “Lucille Clifton” in The Truth Tellers of Time. Mullaney, Janet Palmer, ed. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2001. 12-14. Print.