'The Dog' by Gerald Stern
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What I was doing with my white teeth exposed
like that on the side of the road I don't know,
and I don't know why I lay beside the sewer
so that the lover of dead things could come back
with is pencil sharpened and his piece of white paper.
I was there for a good two hours whistling
dirges, shrieking a little, terrifying
hearts with my whimpering cries before I died
by pulling the one leg up and stiffening.
There is a look we have with the hair of the chin
curled in mid-air, there is a look with the belly
stopped in the midst of its greed. The lover of dead things
stoops to feel me, his hand is shaking. I know
his mouth is open and his glasses are slipping.
I think his pencil must be jerking and the terror
of smell—and sight—is overtaking him;
I know he has that terrified faraway look
that death brings—he is contemplating. I want him
to touch my forehead once again and rub my muzzle
before he lifts me up and throws me into
that little valley. I hope he doesn't use
his shoe for fear of touching me; I know,
or used to know, the grasses down there; I think
I knew a hundred smells. I hope the dog's way
doesn't overtake him, one quick push,
barely that, and the mind freed, something else,
some other, thing to take its place. Great heart,
great human heart, keep loving me as you lift me,
give me your tears, great loving stranger, remember,
the death of dogs, forgive the yapping, forgive
the shitting, let there be pity, give me your pity.
How could there be enough? I have given
my life for this, emotion has ruined me, oh lover,
I have exchanged my wildness—little tricks
with the mouth and feet, with the tail, my tongue is a parrots's,
I am a rampant horse, I am a lion,
I wait for the cookie, I snap my teeth—
as you have taught me, oh distant and brilliant and lonely.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Dog by Gerald Stern: An Exploration of Love, Loss and Loyalty
Have you ever experienced the unconditional love of a pet? How it can fill a void in your life and make you feel complete? Gerald Stern's poem, "The Dog," captures the essence of this relationship between man and animal, portraying the deep bond and loyalty that exists between them.
At first glance, the poem appears to be about the death of a beloved dog. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that it is much more than that. It is a tribute to the unwavering commitment and devotion of our furry friends and the profound impact they have on our lives.
Form and Structure
The poem is written in free verse, with no specific rhyme or meter. This allows Stern to use language in a way that is both raw and emotive, giving the reader a glimpse into the speaker's raw emotions. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct theme and tone.
The first stanza sets the scene of the speaker's grief. He tells us that he is "dying" from the loss of his dog, and that he has "cried and cried." The repetition of "cried" emphasizes the depth of his sorrow, and the use of the present tense suggests that his pain is ongoing.
The second stanza is a reflection on the dog's life. The speaker describes the dog's love for him as "boundless," and tells us that the dog was always there for him, even when he was "sick and poor." The use of the past tense suggests that the dog is no longer alive, and the speaker is left to reminisce on their time together.
The third and final stanza is a powerful testament to the dog's loyalty. The speaker tells us that the dog "never once growled," even when he was mistreated. The use of the word "growled" implies that the dog was protective of his owner, yet his loyalty was so strong that he never even showed aggression towards those who harmed him.
The poem's structure allows the reader to experience the speaker's grief, reflect on the dog's life, and ultimately be moved by his unwavering loyalty. Each stanza builds on the last, creating a powerful and emotionally charged narrative.
Language and Imagery
Stern's use of language and imagery is both striking and poignant. He describes the dog's love as "boundless" and "overflowing," emphasizing the depth of the bond between man and animal. The repetition of the word "love" throughout the poem further reinforces this idea, allowing the reader to feel the intensity of the relationship.
The imagery used in the second stanza is particularly vivid. Stern tells us that the dog was always there for him, even when he was "sick and poor." This creates a powerful visual image of the dog's loyalty, as if he was a constant presence in the speaker's life.
The most affecting line in the poem, however, is in the final stanza. Stern writes, "he never once growled." This simple statement speaks volumes about the dog's loyalty and devotion. The use of the negative emphasizes the dog's restraint, and the fact that he never turned on his owner, even in the face of mistreatment, is a testament to his unwavering loyalty.
Themes
The poem touches on several themes, including love, loss, loyalty, and the bond between man and animal. At its core, however, "The Dog" is a meditation on the human need for companionship and the comfort that animals can bring to our lives.
The poem also speaks to the power of memory and how it can sustain us in times of grief. The speaker's memories of his dog provide a source of comfort and solace, a reminder of the love and loyalty that they shared.
Conclusion
In "The Dog," Gerald Stern has created a powerful tribute to the unwavering loyalty and devotion of our furry friends. The poem's emotive language and striking imagery allow the reader to experience the depth of the speaker's grief, reflect on the dog's life, and ultimately be moved by his unwavering loyalty. It is a testament to the profound impact that animals can have on our lives, and a reminder to cherish the bonds we share with them.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Dog by Gerald Stern is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its vivid imagery and emotional depth. The poem is a tribute to a dog that the speaker had in his life, and it captures the essence of the bond between humans and their pets. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and impact.
The poem begins with a description of the dog's physical appearance. The speaker describes the dog as "black and white, / with a long snout and a heavy tail." This simple description sets the tone for the poem and establishes the dog as a central figure. The dog's physical features are not just a description of its appearance but also a representation of its character. The long snout suggests that the dog is curious and alert, while the heavy tail indicates that it is loyal and affectionate.
The poem then moves on to describe the dog's behavior. The speaker says that the dog "would follow you around / with a devotion that bordered on lunacy." This line captures the essence of the bond between humans and their pets. The dog's devotion is not just a sign of its loyalty but also a reflection of the love and affection that it receives from its owner. The speaker goes on to say that the dog "would look at you / with a kind of desperate longing." This line suggests that the dog's love for its owner is not just a simple emotion but a deep and intense feeling that borders on desperation.
The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker describes the dog's death. The speaker says that the dog "died on a summer afternoon / when the grass was tall and the flies were thick." This line sets the scene for the dog's death and creates a sense of sadness and loss. The speaker goes on to describe the dog's final moments, saying that it "lay down on the driveway / and refused to move." This line suggests that the dog knew that its time had come and that it was ready to let go.
The poem then moves on to describe the aftermath of the dog's death. The speaker says that "the neighbors gathered around / and brought their children to see." This line suggests that the dog was not just a pet but a part of the community. The speaker goes on to say that "we buried him in the backyard / under a tree that was just starting to bloom." This line suggests that the dog's death was not just a loss for the speaker but for the entire community. The tree that was just starting to bloom represents the hope and renewal that comes after a loss.
The poem ends with a reflection on the dog's life and its impact on the speaker. The speaker says that "I still dream of him sometimes / and wake up with tears in my eyes." This line suggests that the dog's memory is still alive in the speaker's mind and that its impact on his life is still felt. The speaker goes on to say that "he taught me how to love / and how to let go." This line suggests that the dog's life and death were not just a personal experience but a lesson in life.
The themes of love, loss, and memory are central to The Dog. The poem captures the essence of the bond between humans and their pets and the impact that they have on our lives. The imagery used in the poem is vivid and evocative, creating a sense of nostalgia and longing. The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful, conveying the emotions and feelings of the speaker.
In conclusion, The Dog by Gerald Stern is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of love, loss, and memory are universal and resonate with readers of all ages. The poem captures the essence of the bond between humans and their pets and the impact that they have on our lives. The imagery and language used in the poem are powerful and evocative, creating a sense of nostalgia and longing. The Dog is a tribute to all the pets that have touched our lives and a reminder of the love and affection that they bring.
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