Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Poem" by Sonia Sanchez is a playful yet profound exploration of the multifaceted nature of sex. The poem delves into the ubiquity of sex in contemporary culture and its varied manifestations and implications. With a conversational tone and rhythmic flow, Sanchez examines how sex permeates everyday life, from media and personal relationships to deeper emotional and existential experiences.

The poem opens with a casual greeting, "Good Morning, sex. How do you do?" This personification of sex sets the stage for a dialogue that runs throughout the poem, treating sex as a complex character or entity with whom the speaker engages. The question "Tell me how life's been treating you" adds a light-hearted, almost playful tone, as if catching up with an old acquaintance. This tone is maintained as the speaker navigates through various perceptions and realities of sex.

Sanchez then contrasts different aspects of sex: "Sex is and sex ain't / sex wuz and sex wuzn't / sex should be and sex has been." These lines capture the contradictions and evolving nature of sex, highlighting how perceptions and experiences of sex can differ widely over time and across different contexts. The use of colloquial language ("sex wuz" and "sex wuzn't") adds to the casual, conversational nature of the poem.

The poet moves on to describe the omnipresence of sex in public and private spheres, noting its representation "on Time Square billboards / on television, in the movies, / in the lyrics dripping off pouting lips." This imagery suggests that sex is both commodified and sensationalized, a constant and often unavoidable presence in modern life. The line "sex is in the drinks we drink / the laughs we laugh / the walk we walk" further emphasizes how sex is interwoven into the fabric of daily existence, subtly influencing behaviors and interactions.

Sanchez vividly depicts the sensory aspects of sex, describing it as something felt and experienced through "the smells we smell as we open / our eyes and legs and let the funk spread." This earthy and direct language brings a physical and visceral quality to the poem, grounding the abstract concept of sex in tangible, bodily sensations.

The poem also addresses the diversity of sexual experiences and identities, noting that "Sex is kinky & clean shaven / sex is straight & gay / sex is do it anyway." This inclusivity acknowledges the spectrum of sexual orientations and practices, affirming that sex is not limited to any single expression or form. The playful assertion "Comes in twos and threes. / Comes on time. Late." further illustrates the unpredictability and variety inherent in sexual encounters.

Sanchez explores the dualities and complexities of sex, noting that "Sex is love. Unlove. / Comes with danger & beauty / Comes in clean and shadowy places." These lines capture the ambivalence surrounding sex, acknowledging its potential for intimacy and affection, as well as its capacity to be fraught with risk or ambivalence. The comparison of sex to both life and death suggests its fundamental role in the human experience, capable of both creation and destruction.

The poem culminates in a crescendo of imagery and sensation, describing the transcendent moments when sex "comes Thelonious Monk-like jazzy, / when it comes hip hopping like the nite / ain't like no other nite." This musical metaphor emphasizes the spontaneous, improvisational, and unique nature of sexual experiences. The reference to knowing "what time it is, what day / it is, what month it is, what year / it is" when sex is "RIGHT" underscores the clarity and presence that can accompany truly meaningful sexual encounters.

Sanchez concludes with an acknowledgment of the sometimes ambiguous nature of sex: "sex is & sometimes it ain't / But when it is..." This trailing off leaves the poem open-ended, suggesting that the experience of sex is multifaceted and cannot be fully captured in words. It is an ever-changing, subjective experience that defies simple categorization.

In "Poem," Sonia Sanchez masterfully navigates the complexities and nuances of sex, using a blend of colloquial language, vivid imagery, and rhythmic flow. The poem's playful yet insightful exploration reveals the profound impact of sex on human life, acknowledging both its beauty and its complications. Through this work, Sanchez offers a candid and comprehensive meditation on the diverse experiences and emotions associated with sex.

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