Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Bruno" by Wanda Coleman is a poignant exploration of attachment, resilience, and survival through the lens of an enduring relationship with an old car. This narrative poem offers a detailed account of the car's condition, its history, and what it represents in the speaker's life, using the vehicle as a metaphor for the challenges and adversities faced over time. The poem captures the essence of human experience—how objects can hold significant emotional value and symbolize much more profound aspects of our lives, such as identity, memory, and resilience against life's hardships.

The poem begins with the speaker detailing the process of washing "six-months' worth of dirt & the devil off" the car, immediately introducing the act as "cheap stress therapy." This opening line sets the tone for the poem, suggesting both the literal and metaphorical cleansing involved in caring for the car, despite its battered state. It hints at the therapeutic value of maintaining something beloved, no matter how worn or outdated it may appear to others.

The car, a "1968 Buick Skylark," is not just a mode of transportation but a shared investment and a repository of memories for the speaker and their partner. It is emblematic of their journey together, including financial struggles and moments of loss, as seen in the incident where the car's window is shattered twice, underscoring the precariousness of their situation. The detail that they could afford to replace the window only once highlights the fluctuating fortunes and resilience in the face of adversity.

Parking the car "across the street in front of the movie studio sound stage" adds another layer to the poem, suggesting a contrast between the glitz and glamour often associated with Hollywood and the reality of the speaker's life, marked by financial constraints and the need for pragmatism. The car's deteriorating condition, from the "stylish vinyl top" that has "cracked and peeled off" to the "primer gray cracked and blistered" paint job, mirrors the wear and tear on the human spirit after enduring numerous challenges.

The specific details about the car's mechanical issues—such as the leaking transmission, the shot rear brakes, and the defunct radio/tape player—serve not only to illustrate the car's dilapidated state but also to reflect on the perseverance required to keep going despite evident decline. The fact that the speaker and their partner are "careful never to drive it unless absolutely necessary" speaks volumes about their precarious financial situation and the constant balancing act of prioritizing needs over wants.

"Bruno" is more than a poem about a car; it is a meditation on survival, the passage of time, and the resilience of the human spirit. Coleman uses the car as a symbol of enduring through hardships, maintaining dignity in the face of adversity, and the deep-seated human capacity to find meaning and solace in the midst of struggle. The car becomes a character in its own right, representing not just a physical object but a life lived with all its complexities, challenges, and moments of triumph. Through "Bruno," Coleman crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever held onto something—not for its material value, but for the stories and memories it carries.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Wicked_Enchantment/hKM_EAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1

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