Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Mastectomy" by Wanda Coleman is a poignant reflection on loss, not just of a part of the body, but of identity, sensuality, and the intimate connections that define womanhood. Through concise yet powerful imagery, Coleman explores the profound impact of a mastectomy, juxtaposing memories of pleasure and desire with the reality of absence and change. This poem delves into the complexities of experiencing and surviving breast cancer, navigating the emotional landscape of what is lost beyond the physical.

The poem begins with the imagery of "the fall of velvet plum points and umber aureolae," evoking the beauty and sensuality of breasts before the surgery. This description sets a tone of mourning and loss, emphasizing the physical attributes that are missed. The use of "fall" suggests a decline or removal, echoing the nature of the mastectomy.

Coleman urges the reader to "remember living," a poignant reminder of the life that predates the surgery, a life filled with sensory experiences and freedoms often taken for granted. This call to memory serves as a bridge between past pleasure and present loss, highlighting the sharp contrast between the two states.

The poem then moves into a series of "forgets," a litany of losses that extend beyond the physical to the deeply personal and emotional. Each "forget" addresses a different aspect of the sensory and erotic experiences associated with the breasts, from the "cool evening air kisses" to the intimate "cupping of his hands." These memories are not just about physical sensation but also about the connection and desire between lovers, underscoring the breasts' role in sexual intimacy and identity.

"Forget his mouth. his tongue at the nipples / his intense hungry nursing" further illustrates the profound sense of loss, as the speaker is urged to erase the memories of intimacy and nourishment, both literal and metaphorical. This loss is not only about the physical pleasure but also about the emotional and psychological connections that have been severed or transformed by the surgery.

The final lines, "forget the space once grasped during his ecstasy / sweet sweet mama you taste so," underscore the intimacy and femininity associated with the breasts, now absent or changed. The use of "sweet sweet mama" evokes a nurturing aspect, linking womanhood to both sexuality and motherhood, identities altered by the mastectomy.

"Mastectomy" is a deeply moving exploration of the grief and adaptation that accompany significant bodily change. Coleman navigates the terrain of loss with sensitivity and depth, capturing the complex interplay between body image, sexuality, and identity. Through the lens of mastectomy, the poem speaks to broader themes of loss, resilience, and the redefinition of self in the face of life-altering events, offering a powerful testament to the strength and vulnerability of those who experience it.

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