Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"American Sonnet (6)" by Wanda Coleman delves into the complexities and contradictions of capitalism, focusing on the struggles of the working class and the elusive nature of financial security and success. Through a blend of vivid imagery, financial terminology, and a critical examination of the socio-economic landscape, Coleman crafts a nuanced commentary on the promise and pitfalls of the American Dream. The sonnet form, traditionally associated with love and beauty, here becomes a vehicle for social critique, showcasing Coleman's adeptness at subverting classical structures to address contemporary issues.

The poem begins with "portfolio profligates of creative capitalism proliferate - wage slave labor intensive," a phrase that immediately sets a tone of critique towards the excesses of capitalism and its reliance on the exploitation of labor. The use of "portfolio profligates" suggests a recklessness among those who benefit from this system, juxtaposed with the reality of "wage slave labor intensive" work that sustains it. This opening highlights the disparity between the wealthy classes who manage investments and the working individuals whose labor underpins these profits.

The imagery of packing up "all your crates and dough" with "interest's low bye-bye bankbook" captures the volatility and insecurity of financial markets, and by extension, the precarious nature of economic stability for the average person. The casual tone belies the seriousness of the situation, reflecting a resignation to the whims of an impersonal economic system.

Coleman's critique extends to the corporate world with "middle management mendacity (let jesus do it on his lunch hour)," a sarcastic jab at the ethical compromises and spiritual vacuities often encountered in the workplace. This line underscores the moral bankruptcy that can accompany the pursuit of profit, suggesting a disconnection between stated values and actual practices.

The personal reflection "i hit forty before i got my first credit card" speaks to the challenges of achieving financial independence and the milestones of adulthood that are often delayed by economic hardship. This line also touches on the theme of credit and debt, integral to the consumer economy, highlighting the barriers to participation for those without access to financial instruments.

The concluding lines, "zed-to-zed/the game of bird association when one's only credentials are the holes in one's tired bend-overs / what does fame do without money?" raise questions about the value of recognition in the absence of financial success. Coleman suggests that in a capitalistic society, fame or success in one's field does not necessarily translate to economic stability or fulfillment, pointing to the hollow nature of acclaim without material support.

"American Sonnet (6)" is a sharp critique of the capitalist system, its impact on individuals, and the contradictions inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream. Through her distinctive voice and innovative use of the sonnet form, Coleman invites readers to reconsider the values and assumptions that underlie economic and social structures. Her work remains a poignant exploration of the intersections between personal experience and broader societal dynamics, offering a critical perspective on the challenges of navigating a world driven by profit and competition.

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

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