Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem opens with a stark depiction of the protagonist's physical condition and the challenges of navigating the world in a wheelchair, immediately establishing a tone of struggle and resilience. The orderlies' jokes, while perhaps meant to lighten the mood, underscore the protagonist's daily confrontations with societal attitudes toward disability. This setting serves as a backdrop for the forthcoming extraordinary encounter, emphasizing the contrast between the mundane and the magical.

As the man is lowered into the pool, the sensation of water triggers a flood of memories, specifically a recollection of Brighton Beach from thirty years prior, when his body was "able" and free from the constraints of paralysis. This flashback serves not only as a poignant reminder of what was lost but also as a bridge to the moment of connection that is about to unfold.

The appearance of the dolphin and its initial curiosity toward the man introduce a shift in perspective. To the dolphin, the man's paralyzed legs are no more "useless-seeming" than any other "land-born thing's," suggesting a perspective of acceptance and non-judgment that contrasts with human societal views. The dolphin's slow, deliberate movements, described with imagery reminiscent of ancient seafaring ("silvery trireme-prow of dorsal fin"), evoke a sense of grace and otherworldly presence.

The core of the poem lies in the moment of eye contact between the man and the dolphin, a moment that transcends the physical barriers of disability and species. Wojahn captures this connection with a profound sense of intimacy and mutual understanding, emphasizing the transformative power of such encounters. The choice of songs—"Gershwin at first, tentatively hummed, & then 'Norwegian Wood' & 'I've Just Seen a Face'"—serves as a bridge across the species divide, inviting the dolphin into a shared space of communication and emotion.

The dolphin's response, a "cackling high-pitched harmony" to the man's singing, symbolizes a moment of true connection and shared joy. The detailed description of the dolphin's physicality—its "blunt teeth" and "nuzzled beak against the salt-rinsed bristle of his beard"—highlights the tactile, immediate nature of their interaction, further deepening the sense of communion.

The poem concludes with a reference to the Beatles' song "Norwegian Wood," specifically the lines "And when I awoke / I was alone," which adds a layer of melancholy to the narrative. This ending suggests the ephemeral nature of the encounter and perhaps the return to a reality marked by limitations and isolation. However, the memory of the connection with the dolphin remains a powerful testament to the capacity for empathy, understanding, and transcendence beyond the confines of the human condition.

"Arion" is a testament to David Wojahn's ability to craft a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Through the story of a man and a dolphin, the poem explores the themes of empathy, memory, and the search for connection in a world that often emphasizes division and difference. It is a reminder of the unexpected moments of beauty and understanding that can emerge in the most unlikely of circumstances, offering a vision of hope and shared humanity.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=40100

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