Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"American Sonnet (8)" by Wanda Coleman offers a critical and satirical look at the promises of quick wealth and the allure of entrepreneurial ventures that prey on the hopes and desperation of individuals seeking financial security. Through the lens of a marketeer's pitch, Coleman exposes the underbelly of capitalist exploitation, highlighting the often predatory nature of get-rich-quick schemes. The sonnet, characterized by its departure from traditional forms to address contemporary themes, becomes a medium for Coleman to interrogate the American Dream and the pervasive culture of consumerism and false promises.

The opening lines, "not just another marketeer / a billion a year racket owned by everyday business folk," immediately introduce skepticism towards the narratives peddled by those who profit from selling the dream of easy wealth. By stating it's "owned by everyday business folk," Coleman implies that these schemes are more about enriching their proprietors than providing genuine opportunities for participants.

The phrase "an exciting all-cash opportunity" and the description of the scheme as "the latest schemology!" employ the language of advertisement and scam artistry to underscore the manipulative tactics used to entice individuals. The promise of "no monthly overhead! run it at home or out of the trunk of your car" targets those who are financially strapped, presenting an allegedly risk-free venture that preys on their economic vulnerabilities.

Coleman's use of the phrase "can be operated part-time earning you deep pockets while you keep your regular job" speaks to the allure of supplemental income without the need to forsake one's primary source of livelihood. This appeals to the widespread desire for financial stability and the freedom it purportedly brings, yet the reality of such schemes often falls far short of their promises.

The sonnet critiques the no-need-for "experience or special training" clause, a hallmark of many dubious ventures, suggesting that the opportunity is accessible to all, further masking the potential for loss and exploitation under the guise of inclusivity and simplicity.

"Quick returns/the coins stack up" and "your latest crack at securing a future" reflect the seductive appeal of immediate gratification and the illusion of a safety net in an uncertain economic landscape. However, Coleman's choice of words, especially "your latest crack," implies skepticism and the cyclic nature of these ventures, where each new opportunity is merely a repetition of past failures.

The closing, "try it yourself. it's high-octane for maintaining cool under pressure," offers a final nod to the intense, often stressful nature of navigating financial instability, with the scheme presented as both a solution to and a perpetuator of this pressure.

Through "American Sonnet (8)," Coleman adeptly captures the tension between the lure of easy money and the harsh realities of economic disenfranchisement. Her critique extends beyond individual schemes to encompass the broader societal and economic systems that enable such predatory practices, urging a critical examination of the values and desires that drive participation in them. The sonnet form, traditionally associated with love and beauty, here serves as a powerful tool for social commentary, highlighting Coleman's skill in blending form and function to address the complexities of modern American life.

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

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