Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"American Sonnet (9)" by Wanda Coleman presents a complex exploration of materialism, interpersonal connections, and the pervasive influence of media and consumer culture on society's values and relationships. Through a series of vivid images and reflections, the poem critiques the commodification of love and the human experience, ultimately inverting the opening statement to underscore the distorted priorities that characterize contemporary life.

The poem begins with a straightforward principle, "love people use things," suggesting a proper ordering of priorities that values human connections over material possessions. However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that this ideal is challenged by the realities of modern consumer culture and the blurring of lines between genuine human interaction and the consumption of experiences and individuals as if they were commodities.

The mention of "a possible emergence at effortless forms of illumination" and the images that "drift across the screen of the set/swaying bodies converging" evokes the omnipresence of media and its role in shaping perceptions and desires. The television set becomes a symbol of how media narratives and consumer culture infiltrate and influence personal relationships and self-understanding, offering "illumination" that is both effortless and superficial.

Coleman's reference to "ghosts of divisions city after city, oh ruthless decay" speaks to the widespread nature of these phenomena, impacting urban landscapes and communities across the nation. The "ruthless decay" points to the degradation of social bonds and communal life in the face of relentless consumerism and the pursuit of individual gratification.

The phrase "these skin disruptions - the sport of confession for pay" critiques the commodification of personal experiences and emotions, where even the most intimate aspects of human life are turned into spectacle and profit. This is further exemplified by the blunt triad "loose shoes, tight pussy, warm place to shit," which reduces human needs and desires to their most base and transactional elements, reflecting a deeply cynical view of human interactions in a commodified society.

As the poem moves towards its conclusion, the repetition of earlier imagery with a twist—"splendid moments when all visions of ghosts/ convergences/bodies swaying adrift illuminating new behavioral norms effortless emergence? possibly. later"—suggests a cycle of continuous consumption and the elusive nature of genuine connection and enlightenment in this context.

The final inversion of the opening statement, "use people love things," serves as a powerful commentary on the reversal of values, where material possessions are cherished and human beings are exploited or discarded. This chilling conclusion encapsulates the poem's critique of contemporary society's misplaced priorities and the dehumanizing effects of consumer culture.

"American Sonnet (9)" is a testament to Coleman's ability to weave complex social critiques into the concise and potent form of the sonnet. Through her incisive use of language and imagery, Coleman challenges readers to reflect on the nature of love, connection, and value in a world increasingly dominated by superficiality and consumption.

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

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