Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"American Sonnet (5)" by Wanda Coleman offers a poignant critique of systemic issues affecting marginalized communities, employing raw imagery and vernacular to highlight the cyclical nature of social and economic disenfranchisement. Through her distinctive voice and unconventional approach to the sonnet form, Coleman captures the despair and resilience of those caught in the grip of systemic oppression, questioning the societal values that perpetuate these cycles.

The poem opens with "rusted busted and dusted," a phrase that immediately conveys a sense of decay, neglect, and the aftermath of prolonged abandonment or abuse. This sets the tone for an exploration of the "spurious chain of plebeian events," suggesting a continuous, dubious sequence of hardships faced by the common people, marked by their routine and expected nature within the societal framework.

Coleman's inclusion of the phrase "(aintjahmamaauntjemimaondapancakebox?)" is a powerful invocation of racial stereotypes and commercial exploitation of Black imagery, specifically referencing the Aunt Jemima brand. This rhetorical question underscores the commodification of Black identity and the perpetuation of demeaning caricatures, linking these stereotypes to broader patterns of exploitation and marginalization.

The enumeration of societal ills—homicides, cancer deaths, institutionalized men, single female heads of household, crimes of possession, the functionally insane, and consumers of dark rum—paints a grim picture of a community besieged by systemic failures. Each item in this list highlights different facets of systemic oppression, from health disparities and the criminal justice system to mental health issues and substance abuse, underscoring the multifaceted challenges faced by those living in marginalized conditions.

The line "largely preoccupied with perfecting plans of escape" reveals a deep-seated desire for liberation from these oppressive circumstances. This pursuit of escape, whether literal or metaphorical, signifies a yearning for a life beyond the confines of systemic oppression, capturing the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

The poem concludes with a series of colloquial farewells—"see you later alligator after while crocodile after supper muthafucka"—which, while seemingly light-hearted, serve to underscore the poem's themes of departure and escape. This juxtaposition of the casual with the critical deepens the poem's exploration of the longing for freedom and the complexities of navigating a world rife with injustice.

In "American Sonnet (5)," Coleman leverages the sonnet form to deliver a sharp critique of American society, deftly weaving together cultural references, social commentary, and vivid imagery to spotlight the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities. Her work challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about racial and socioeconomic disparities, inviting reflection on the systemic changes necessary to address these deep-rooted issues. Through her powerful and unapologetic verse, Coleman continues to be a vital voice in American poetry, illuminating the resilience and struggles of those often left in the shadows.

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

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