Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"American Sonnet (11)" by Wanda Coleman plunges into the tumultuous waters of racial animosity, survival, and identity through a metaphorically rich and dramatic narrative. This poem utilizes the imagery of a maritime disaster to explore deeper themes of societal division, racism, and the struggle for equality and recognition. Coleman's poignant use of language and scenario crafts a vivid tableau that resonates with the historical and ongoing challenges faced by African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States.

Sonnet (11)" likely does not adhere strictly to the traditional sonnet forms (Shakespearean or Petrarchan) but instead follows her unique adaptation of the form. This adaptation might include variations in line count, rhyme scheme, and meter, making it distinctively "American" in its departure from European conventions.

The poem opens with a scene of chaos and impending doom: "the moon is livid white. pacifica boils we are going under / ship afire the sea pools with blood." This apocalyptic imagery sets a tone of desperation and fear, invoking the sense of an inevitable tragedy. The reference to "women and children first" alludes to the traditional maritime protocol during evacuations, highlighting norms of vulnerability and protection but also foreshadowing the speaker's exclusion from these considerations due to racial prejudice.

The speaker's admission, "i cannot swim / and i have been refused a mae west," directly confronts the reader with the speaker's vulnerability—not only to the physical danger of drowning but also to the systemic injustices that deny them even the most basic means of survival. The refusal of a "mae west," a life vest, serves as a powerful metaphor for the denial of safety, rights, and dignity to people of color, symbolizing the broader societal refusal to afford them protection and equality.

As the speaker fights to board a lifeboat, they encounter a "bronze-haired aryan" whose "eyes a feast of loathing" and a tear tattooed beneath his eye symbolize both the deep-seated hatred and the violence that underpins racial discrimination. This encounter is emblematic of the barriers faced by marginalized individuals, where their right to life and safety is contested and denied on the basis of race.

The speaker's assertion, "i have as much right to live as anyone," is a powerful declaration of their humanity and entitlement to dignity and survival. However, the aryan's violent response and command to "go back to the jungle where you belong" is a stark reminder of the dehumanizing rhetoric and exclusionary ideologies that have been historically used to justify racism and segregation. The command to "stay there" further emphasizes the intent to ostracize and confine people of color to spaces deemed appropriate by oppressive structures.

"American Sonnet (11)" is a compact yet explosive exploration of the dynamics of power, racial prejudice, and the fight for survival and recognition in a society marred by inequality. Coleman masterfully uses the sonnet form to compress intense emotion and complex social commentary into a brief, impactful narrative, forcing the reader to confront the harsh realities of racism and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. Through this poem, Coleman contributes a powerful voice to the discourse on race in America, challenging readers to examine the foundations of their beliefs and the societal structures that perpetuate division and injustice.

POEM TEXT: https://paulenelson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wanda-Coleman-American-Sonnets-Complete.pdf

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