Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Sweet Mama Wanda Tells Fortunes for a Price" by Wanda Coleman is a raw and unflinching look into the life of someone engaged in sex work, navigating the complexities of survival, desire, and the quest for autonomy. Through stark imagery and concise language, Coleman captures a moment in the life of the speaker, blending the lines between intimacy and transaction, empowerment and vulnerability.

The poem opens with the speaker ascending "dark stairs," a metaphorical and literal journey into an unknown and potentially dangerous space. This act of walking up sets the stage for an encounter that is both physical and transactional. The coldness of the room reflects not just the physical environment but also the emotional distance and detachment required to navigate such interactions.

The blunt statement "i am here to fuck / then go back / to the streets" strips away any romanticization of the encounter, presenting it as a means to an end. The straightforwardness of this declaration speaks to the speaker's clarity about the nature of the exchange and their role within it.

The interaction between the speaker and the client is depicted in sparse, direct language, focusing on physical touch and immediate sensation. The mention of "my cocoa thighs" and the act of laying down together highlights the commodification of the body in this transactional relationship. The client's exclamation of "mama" during climax introduces a complex layer of need and longing, suggesting a search for comfort or connection within the confines of a paid encounter.

After the encounter, the speaker's act of counting cash and acknowledging "it's been a good night" is a moment of reclaiming agency. Despite the coldness of the streets and the inherent risks of their profession, there is a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in having navigated the night successfully.

The speaker's hunger and the decision to head east underscore the ongoing nature of their struggle and survival. The final smile and the knowledge of "what tomorrow / is all about" imply a resilience and foresight born of experience. The speaker is aware of the cyclical nature of their life, the constant balance between risk and reward, and the need to prepare for what comes next.

"Sweet Mama Wanda Tells Fortunes for a Price" is a powerful exploration of the realities of sex work, marked by moments of intimacy, detachment, and the continuous pursuit of dignity within a society that often marginalizes and stigmatizes those within the profession. Coleman's poem invites readers to look beyond judgment and assumptions, offering a glimpse into the complex humanity of those who navigate the night, armed with the knowledge of what it takes to survive and the strength to face another day.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...