Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Under a Soprano Sky" by Sonia Sanchez is a richly imagistic and surreal exploration of memory, identity, and transformation. The poem is divided into two sections, each delving into different aspects of the speaker's experience, expressed through evocative and often enigmatic language. Sanchez employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey a journey that moves through the realms of the physical, the spiritual, and the emotional.

In the first section, the poem begins with a nostalgic recollection: "once i lived on pillars in a green house / boarded by lilacs that rocked voices into weeds." This opening sets a scene of a past life, seemingly idyllic yet tinged with the strange and mystical. The "green house" symbolizes a place of growth and nature, while "lilacs" suggest beauty and fragility. The mention of "voices into weeds" hints at the passage of time and perhaps a transformation of vitality into something wild and untamed.

The speaker describes an almost ritualistic experience: "i bled an owl's blood / shredding the grass until i / rocked in a choir of worms." The owl, often a symbol of wisdom and mystery, suggests a shedding of knowledge or insight. The act of "shredding the grass" and joining a "choir of worms" evokes images of decay and rebirth, indicating a deep connection to the earth and the cyclical nature of life. The phrase "obscene with hands" speaks to a profusion of sensory experiences and perhaps a feeling of being overwhelmed by the physical world. The line "i wooed the world / with thumbs" could imply a tactile engagement with life, using the hands to explore and interact with the world.

The mention of "yo-yos hummed" introduces a playful yet mechanical element, contrasting with the organic imagery of nature. The poem questions the authenticity of experiences: "was it an unborn lacquer i peeled?" This line suggests a layer of superficiality being removed to reveal something more authentic or raw. The "woods, tall as waves," singing "in mixed tongues" introduces a sense of confusion or multilingualism, possibly reflecting the diversity and complexity of the natural world.

The speaker expresses a sense of disconnection or confusion with their own body: "O are my hands breathing? I cannot smell the nerves." This line suggests a loss of sensation or an inability to connect with the physical self fully. The observation of the "sun / ripening green stones for fields" suggests a process of maturation or preparation, but the speaker feels detached from their origins: "O have my eyes run down? I cannot taste my birth." The inability to "taste my birth" points to a disconnection from one's origins or a loss of identity.

In the second section, the poem shifts to a present or reflective state: "now as i move, mouth quivering with silks / my skin runs soft with eyes." This imagery suggests a heightened sensitivity and a blending of senses. The "mouth quivering with silks" conveys a delicate, almost luxurious sensation, while "skin runs soft with eyes" suggests a heightened awareness, perhaps an opening up to new perceptions.

The speaker describes following "obscure birds / purchasing orthopedic wings," implying a quest for stability or healing, possibly in the face of physical or emotional challenges. The line "the air is late this summer" conveys a sense of waiting or delay, perhaps for change or resolution.

The speaker reflects on the passage of time and growth: "i peel the spine and flood / the earth with adolescence." This metaphor could indicate a shedding of the past and a release of youthful energy or potential. The question "O who will pump these breasts? I cannot waltz my tongue" reflects a struggle with nurturing and communication, suggesting a disconnect between desire and expression.

The poem concludes with a powerful and serene image: "under a soprano sky, a woman sings, / lovely as chandeliers." The "soprano sky" suggests a high, clear, and beautiful atmosphere, perhaps representing a sense of peace or transcendence. The woman's song, described as "lovely as chandeliers," evokes beauty and illumination, indicating a moment of clarity or revelation.

Overall, "Under a Soprano Sky" explores themes of transformation, self-discovery, and the complexities of human experience. Sanchez's use of rich, surreal imagery and lyrical language creates a tapestry of emotions and sensations, inviting the reader to contemplate the interconnectedness of life, nature, and identity. The poem suggests a journey from confusion and disconnection towards a more profound understanding and acceptance of oneself and the world.

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