Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"But, Ruby My Dear" by Wanda Coleman is an intensely lyrical and sensual exploration of desire, music, and the complexities of love, set against the backdrop of jazz's evocative soundscapes. Coleman employs musical terminology and imagery to weave a narrative that transcends the physical realm, entering a space where love and music intersect, creating a powerful and immersive experience.

The poem opens with the image of a man navigating "those narrow chords" to reach his lover, situating their encounter in a place that is just on the "outskirts of ecstasy," suggesting both anticipation and the elusiveness of true fulfillment. The mention of a "dingy walkup" grounds their passion in reality, juxtaposing the mundane setting against the transcendent nature of their connection.

Coleman's reference to knowing "every note of her down to that maddening musky treble from between her dusky thighs" blends the sensual with the musical, emphasizing the depth of the man's desire and understanding of his lover. This imagery not only sexualizes the musical metaphor but also highlights the intimacy and intricacy of their relationship, where love is both known and performed.

The playful exchange of "who's there?" with the "singeful" reply underscores the ritualistic and performative aspects of their love, likening it to a musical composition that requires both improvisation and familiarity. The phrase "double bass count he's gonna put hurt on her" introduces a hint of discord, suggesting that their passion carries the potential for both ecstasy and pain, a common theme in jazz and blues music where longing and loss often underpin the melody.

The narrative then moves beyond the physical into the realm of the metaphysical, where love and music become a form of transcendence. The mention of a "scratchy 78 whining dreary days and whiskey nights" evokes the historical and emotional weight of jazz music, often associated with both celebration and sorrow. Coleman's use of "beyond that too sweet smoky andante" and the "hunger for impossible freedom" reflects the desire to transcend the limitations of their reality, seeking solace and release in the "heart of melody."

The poem culminates in the vision of "steam in the jazzified mystical sanctity of discordant fusion," where the lovers achieve a state of unity that is both chaotic and harmonious. This fusion represents the ultimate expression of their love, where discord and harmony, like their relationship, are not opposing forces but complementary elements of a more profound connection.

"But, Ruby My Dear" is a masterful blend of sensuality, music, and emotion, showcasing Coleman's ability to capture the essence of human desire and the transformative power of love. Through the lens of jazz, she explores the depth and complexity of intimacy, portraying love as a dynamic and evolving composition that defies easy categorization or resolution. The poem invites readers to consider the ways in which love, like music, can transport us beyond the mundane, offering glimpses of ecstasy and moments of profound connection.

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