Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "When I Was a Dog," Edward Field blends humor and introspection to explore themes of love, devotion, and humanity through the lens of dogs. The poem is divided into three parts, each offering a distinct perspective on the relationship between humans and dogs, and by extension, between humans and each other.

1.  

The first part of the poem opens with a quote:  

"No dog ever invited another dog to share its lunch." — Baghwan  

Field contrasts this observation with a longing for young men to exhibit the same uninhibited affection as dogs:  

"Ah, if only young men were like dogs that bound over, wagging their tails. / Their wet tongues licking you, / they'd only want love."  

He juxtaposes this with the reality that humans often approach relationships with wariness and suspicion, "the kind with wary eyes that snarl / if you reach out to stroke them." Here, Field draws a parallel between human caution and the contrastive open affection displayed by dogs.

2.  

The second part begins with another quote:  

"Mens got dawg in 'em." — Ntozake Shange  

The speaker muses on the mystery of dogs' unwavering devotion to humans, asking if dogs are "studying up on us." He speculates that people who are passionate about animals may have been given the task of caring for them to "prepare them / for future lives as humans."

The speaker then reflects on his own connection to dogs:  

"When I massage my scalp I seem to remember when I was a dog, / or the head remembers being a dog's."  

He recalls the pleasure of being patted and stroked and acknowledges that he "still need[s] it desperately." This imagery illustrates the primal desire for affection and connection that transcends species.

3.  

The third part, titled "Power Source," shifts to a playful idea of harnessing the energy of dogs' wagging tails for power:  

"Like harnessing the tides or the wind, how about attaching dogs' tails to power generators?"  

The speaker imagines a role for himself as the patter of dogs to keep their tails wagging, envisioning a world where this energy can "illuminate whole cities, countries—together, we'll / light up the world!"

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Love and Affection: The poem emphasizes the unconditional love and affection that dogs provide, contrasting it with the guarded nature of human relationships.

2. Devotion and Connection: Field explores the deep connection between humans and dogs, suggesting a shared desire for affection and understanding.

3. Humor and Imagination: The poem employs humor and imaginative thinking, particularly in the third part, where Field envisions a world lit up by dogs' wagging tails.

4. Primal Desire and Humanity: By remembering a time when he was "a dog," the speaker hints at the primal desires that all humans share, such as the need for affection and touch.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own focus and tone. The overall tone is playful yet introspective, blending humor with deeper reflections on love and connection. The use of quotes at the beginning of each section grounds the poem in broader observations about human and animal nature.

Conclusion:

"When I Was a Dog" by Edward Field is a humorous and insightful exploration of love, devotion, and the human condition. Through a blend of humor and introspection, Field captures the unique relationship between humans and dogs, inviting readers to reflect on the primal desires and connections that define us all. The poem encourages us to embrace the simplicity of love and affection, celebrating the joy and energy that dogs bring into our lives.

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