Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Letter to My Older Sister (2)" by Wanda Coleman is a deeply personal and evocative poem that traverses the landscapes of family dynamics, the complexities of love, and the intricate processes of healing and memory. Through the epistolary form, Coleman creates an intimate dialogue with her sister, Georgiana, revealing layers of familial tension, longing for connection, and reflections on the nature of emotional wounds. The poem is rich in metaphor and vivid imagery, drawing the reader into the speaker's inner world and her nuanced exploration of relationships and self-awareness.

The poem begins with the speaker attempting to "shake off this post holiday boohoohoo," setting the tone for a narrative that oscillates between vulnerability and resilience. The mention of "poking at baby sis again" introduces a theme of sibling rivalry and the complex mix of affection and conflict that often characterizes such relationships. The metaphor of "strawberry shortcake" juxtaposed with "hardtack" captures the deceptive appearances and underlying hardness within familial bonds, suggesting that reconciliation requires confronting tough, perhaps painful, truths.

The speaker's acknowledgment that becoming friends with her sister would be a "victory over raging hearts" but requires more "vital stuff than i have to bleed" poignantly conveys the emotional exhaustion and the sense of depletion that can arise from prolonged familial strife. There is a recognition of the need for healing and reconciliation, yet also an admission of the current lack of emotional resources to achieve this.

Coleman's use of Mercurochrome as a metaphor for love is particularly striking. The comparison highlights the dual nature of love as both beautiful and painful, capable of providing comfort but also causing intense suffering when applied to "an open sore." This metaphor extends to explore the process of recovery, which leaves behind a "vague tenderness" and a temporary mark—a splotch that can be washed away, much like the fleeting nature of emotional scars.

The poem then shifts to a nostalgic reflection on the speaker's mother and her "sultry red violent" lipstick, a symbol of femininity, strength, and the rituals of self-presentation. This memory serves as a link to the past and a moment of admiration for the speaker, illustrating the ways in which the women in her family navigate their identities and the external world. The meticulous description of the lipstick application process, from the "slick moves" to the "One twist of the brass canister's butt," imbues the act with a sense of ceremony and empowerment.

Finally, Coleman addresses the "pangs-n-thangs of girlhood" as the "Barrier Reef of my consciousness," using the imagery of shipwreck and the violent impact of the sea against the shore to symbolize the traumatic and transformative experiences of growing up. The reference to "rent flesh, first red, turns salt white" evokes the enduring impact of these experiences, suggesting that the wounds of the past continue to shape the speaker's sense of self and her relationships with others.

Through "Letter to My Older Sister (2)," Coleman crafts a multifaceted exploration of the human heart, weaving together themes of family, love, pain, and the quest for understanding. The poem is a testament to the complexity of familial relationships and the enduring quest for healing and connection amidst the trials of life.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/155697/letter-to-my-older-sister-5

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