Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Stephen Dobyns' poem "How to Like It" encapsulates the existential restlessness that characterizes much of human experience, juxtaposed against the simplistic, moment-to-moment approach to life often attributed to animals, in this case, a dog. The poem is set in the transitionary period of early fall, a time that naturally evokes reflection and anticipation of change. Through the dialogue between the man and his dog, Dobyns explores themes of longing, dissatisfaction, escapism, and the search for meaning amidst the mundane aspects of daily life.

The poem opens with a vivid depiction of the fall season, evoking a sense of restlessness and a desire for escape, symbolized by the man's contemplation of a spontaneous road trip. The wind and the leaves become metaphors for change and the unsettled feelings that change can provoke within us. The dog, serving as a foil to the man's introspection, embodies a carefree and impulsive approach to life, suggesting activities that are immediate and visceral.

As the man grapples with the weight of his memories and the sense of being trapped by his past, the dog's suggestions escalate in their abandon and recklessness. The contrast between the dog's simplistic desires and the man's existential yearning underscores the human tendency to seek deeper meaning and fulfillment beyond immediate pleasures or distractions. The man is depicted as being on the verge of a journey, not just a physical escape but a metaphysical quest for something beyond the horizon of his current existence.

The man's longing to drive all night, to cross state lines and discover new places, symbolizes a deeper desire to escape the confines of his known world and the burden of his memories. It represents a universal human impulse to find renewal and possibility in the unknown. The dog’s proposal to return inside and do nothing stands in stark contrast to this desire, highlighting the tension between the urge for adventure and the comfort of familiarity.

The poem's closing lines delve into the core of the human condition: the simultaneous capacity to desire everything and nothing, to yearn for both change and stasis. The man's frustration and existential questioning reflect the paradox of seeking meaning in life while being confronted with its inherent absurdities and uncertainties. The dog's suggestion to make a sandwich, an act both mundane and oddly comforting, brings the narrative back to the simple acts of living, suggesting that perhaps contentment lies in embracing the ordinary moments of existence.

Dobyns crafts "How to Like It" with a blend of humor, melancholy, and philosophical inquiry, using the dialogue between man and dog as a vehicle to explore the complexities of human desires and the quest for meaning. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own searches for purpose and fulfillment, the ways in which we navigate the tension between grand aspirations and the simple pleasures of life, and ultimately, how we find ways to like it amidst the myriad contradictions that define our existence.

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