Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Atlantis: 6. New Dog" by Mark Doty captures a profoundly moving moment in the intersection of human life and the comforting presence of animals during times of illness and decline. The poem reveals the complex emotions and decisions faced by individuals dealing with terminal illness, portrayed through the story of Wally and his desire to adopt a new dog as he confronts the advancing stages of his illness.

The narrative begins with Jimi and Tony, who own a cocker spaniel named Dino. They find themselves unable to care for him due to Tony's sickness and the burden that daily walks impose—transforming what should be a pleasure into just another strenuous obligation. This situation parallels the poem's deeper exploration of how illness reshapes the simplest routines and pleasures of life.

Enter Wally, who, despite already having a dog, expresses a longing to adopt another—a small, golden creature to keep him company. Wally's condition is worsening; he is paralyzed from the waist down, and his ability to interact with the world, particularly through the act of petting a dog, is diminishing. Doty poignantly questions through Wally’s voice, "How many men want another attachment, just as they’re leaving the world?" This rhetorical question underscores the human desire for connection and companionship, even as one faces the inevitability of death.

Wally's nocturnal musings about acquiring more pets—lizards, a talking bird, some fish, even a little rat—reflect a yearning for life and interaction, a stark contrast to his physical deterioration. These desires highlight his struggle against the isolating effects of his illness and his attempt to grasp at the vital, animate world around him.

The poem then shifts back to Dino, as the initial plan to adopt him falls through when Jimi and Tony decide they cannot part with their dog. This moment of refusal mirrors the difficulty of letting go, not just of life but also of the joy and love pets provide. Subsequently, the narrator drives to the shelter "just to look" but encounters Beau, a dog described with vibrant energy and boundless enthusiasm, "one brass concatenation of tongue and tail."

Beau’s introduction into Wally’s life is transformative. Unlike the gentle, expected companionship of a small, manageable pet, Beau is large, lively, and untamed—yet perfect for Wally’s current needs. Doty describes Beau’s affectionate interactions with Wally, noting how the dog not only licks Wally's face but bathes "every irreplaceable inch of his head." This interaction is significant, as Wally, who can no longer feed himself, still manages to lift his hand to touch Beau. The act of touching, described as "so deliberate," transcends mere physical connection. It becomes a profound gesture of communication and recognition between the human and the animal spirit.

The poem closes on a note of tender observation, emphasizing that Wally's touch is not about grasping but about acknowledging and appreciating the "restless splendor" of life represented by Beau. In the face of debilitating illness, the simple act of touching a dog becomes a symbolic embrace of life’s vibrancy and chaos.

"Atlantis: 6. New Dog" poignantly illustrates how pets can provide comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy in the most challenging times. Doty uses this narrative to explore themes of attachment, loss, and the enduring human need for companionship as one navigates the twilight of life. The poem is a touching reminder of the small yet significant ways in which the presence of another living being can enrich and illuminate our final days.

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