Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"O.D.'s for Lip Clip & Style" by Wanda Coleman is a vibrant and richly textured poem that transports the reader into the heart of a barbershop, a space that serves as a cultural and communal hub within the Black community. Through vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and a keen sense of atmosphere, Coleman celebrates the barbershop not only as a site of physical transformation but also as a venue for social interaction, cultural exchange, and communal bonding.

The poem opens with "the bottom line shapes the snake of a scalp," immediately drawing attention to the artistry and precision of the barber's craft. This imagery sets the tone for a poem that is deeply rooted in the physical and tactile experiences of the barbershop. The reference to the "Wurlitzer kicks in Saturday a.m." evokes the lively and spirited atmosphere typical of these spaces, with music setting the rhythm for the day's activities.

Coleman's enumeration of hairstyles—"trim shag wedge fro or fry"—highlights the barbershop's role in shaping identity and style, offering a range of expressions from the traditional to the avant-garde. The mention of "where her fingers travel in passion's push for more" suggests the intimate and transformative power of the barber's touch, emphasizing the trust and connection between barber and client.

The poem then shifts to the communal aspect of the barbershop experience, with the "boisterous chorus of black male voices" engaging in animated discussions about sports and life. This portrayal underscores the barbershop as a social sanctuary where men can gather, debate, and share in a brotherhood that transcends the personal. Coleman captures the dynamic interplay of voices and perspectives, from the excitement of "Monday Night Football or Saturday Night Fight" to the philosophical musings on achievement and resistance against systemic barriers.

The description of the barbershop floor "quilted in lamb's wool gobs, black brown and red all grades" is a testament to the diversity and richness of Black hair, each snippet telling a story of individual choice and cultural heritage. Coleman's attention to the economic realities of the community, where transactions are often "100% out-of-pocket," speaks to the resilience and self-sufficiency within spaces that operate outside the mainstream economy.

The poem closes on a note of humor and wisdom, with the proclamation "bald is beautiful … the creator made only so many perfect heads the rest he covered with hair." This line celebrates self-acceptance and the beauty of individual difference, encapsulating the poem's celebration of identity, community, and the joy found in shared spaces and experiences.

Through "O.D.'s for Lip Clip & Style," Coleman offers a richly layered depiction of the barbershop as a site of cultural significance, weaving together themes of artistry, identity, community, and resilience. Her vivid imagery and rhythmic prose capture the essence of this communal space, offering insights into the ways in which simple acts of grooming can serve as powerful expressions of cultural identity and solidarity.

POEM TEXT:  https://www.google.com/books/edition/Bathwater_Wine/rS6cPn9ECAgC?hl=en&gbpv=1

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