'The Angel Food Dogs' by Anne Sexton


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Leaping, leaping, leaping,
down line by line,
growling at the cadavers,
filling the holy jugs with their piss,
falling into windows and mauling the parents,
but soft, kiss-soft,
and sobbing sobbing
into their awful dog dish.

No point? No twist for you
in my white tunnel?
Let me speak plainly,
let me whisper it from the podium--

Mother, may I use your pseudonym?
May I take the dove named Mary
and shove out Anne?
May I take my check book, my holographs,
my eight naked books,
and sign it Mary, Mary, Mary
full of grace?
I know my name is not offensive
but my feet hang in the noose.
I want to be white.
I want to be blue.
I want to be a bee digging into an onion heart,
as you did to me, dug and squatted
long after death and its fang.

Hail Mary, full of me,
Nibbling in the sitting room of my head.
Mary, Mary, virgin forever,
whore forever,
give me your name,
give me your mirror.
Boils fester in my soul,
so give me your name so I may kiss them,
and they will fly off,
nameless
but named,
and they will fly off like angel food dogs
with thee
and with thy spirit.
Let me climb the face of my kitchen dog
and fly off into my terrified years.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Angel Food Dogs by Anne Sexton

Have you ever read a poem that made your heart skip a beat? A poem that left you feeling breathless and exhilarated? If not, then you must read "The Angel Food Dogs" by Anne Sexton. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the beauty and the tragedy of life in a way that is both haunting and inspiring.

The Poem

The poem begins with a description of the "angel food dogs" that live in heaven. These dogs are pure and beautiful, and they live in perfect harmony with one another. However, the poem takes a dark turn when the speaker tells us about the "earth dogs" who are forced to live in a world of pain and suffering.

The earth dogs are ugly and diseased, and they are constantly fighting with one another. They are driven by their hunger and their fear, and they are unable to find peace or happiness. The speaker tells us that these dogs are "the ones who never hope again," and we can feel the weight of their despair.

The poem then shifts back to the angel food dogs, who are watching the earth dogs from heaven. They can see the pain and the suffering of the earth dogs, and their hearts are filled with compassion. They want to help the earth dogs, but they are unable to do so because of the barrier between heaven and earth.

The poem ends with a powerful image: the angel food dogs are "sitting on their golden haunches / looking down on our small green world / with their softly drooping jaws / and then they fill the sky with their howls / as if to preach but really to mourn." This image is both beautiful and heartbreaking, and it leaves the reader with a sense of awe and wonder.

The Interpretation

At its core, "The Angel Food Dogs" is a poem about the beauty and the tragedy of life. It is a poem about the contrast between the perfect world that we imagine and the imperfect world that we live in. The angel food dogs represent the beauty and the purity of life, while the earth dogs represent the pain and the suffering that we all experience.

One of the most powerful themes of the poem is the idea of hope. The earth dogs are "the ones who never hope again," and this is a heartbreaking image. It speaks to the idea that when we lose hope, we lose something essential to our humanity. Without hope, we are lost in a world of pain and suffering, and we are unable to find our way back to the light.

The angel food dogs, on the other hand, represent the power of hope. They see the pain and the suffering of the earth dogs, but they do not give up hope. They continue to howl and to mourn, and in doing so they remind us that there is always a glimmer of hope, even in the darkest of times.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of compassion. The angel food dogs are filled with compassion for the earth dogs, even though they are unable to help them directly. This speaks to the idea that compassion is a powerful force that can transcend the barriers between us. Even if we are unable to alleviate someone's pain, simply being there for them and showing them compassion can make all the difference.

Finally, the poem speaks to the idea of the interconnectedness of all things. The angel food dogs and the earth dogs are separated by a barrier, but they are still connected in a fundamental way. The pain and suffering of the earth dogs affects the angel food dogs, and their howls of mourning are a testament to this connection. This speaks to the idea that we are all connected in a deep and meaningful way, and that our actions and our choices have a ripple effect that can be felt throughout the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Angel Food Dogs" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the beauty and the tragedy of life in a way that is both haunting and inspiring. It speaks to the power of hope, compassion, and interconnectedness, and it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light. If you have not yet read this poem, I implore you to do so. It is a work of genius that will leave you feeling breathless and exhilarated.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Angel Food Dogs: A Poem of Love, Loss, and Redemption

Anne Sexton's "The Angel Food Dogs" is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and redemption. The poem is a powerful and emotional journey that takes the reader through the depths of despair and the heights of hope. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, and how it relates to the human experience.

The poem begins with a description of the speaker's dogs, who are "angel food dogs" because they are so small and delicate. The speaker describes how the dogs are always with her, following her everywhere she goes. She loves them deeply and feels a sense of comfort and companionship from their presence.

However, the dogs also serve as a reminder of the speaker's past. She describes how she used to have a husband who was "a devil" and how he would abuse her and the dogs. The dogs were often injured and the speaker was left feeling helpless and alone. She eventually left her husband and started a new life, but the memories of the abuse still haunt her.

The poem then takes a turn towards redemption as the speaker describes how she has found love again. She has a new partner who is kind and gentle, and who loves the dogs as much as she does. The dogs are now safe and happy, and the speaker feels a sense of peace and contentment.

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful statement of hope and redemption. The speaker describes how the dogs are like "little angels" who have brought her back to life. She feels that she has been given a second chance, and that she is now able to live a life filled with love and happiness.

The Angel Food Dogs is a deeply personal poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and redemption. It is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future. The poem is also a testament to the power of love and the importance of companionship in our lives.

The dogs in the poem serve as a symbol of the speaker's past and present. They represent the pain and suffering that she has experienced, but also the love and companionship that she has found. The dogs are a constant reminder of the speaker's journey, and how far she has come.

The poem also explores the theme of abuse and its lasting effects. The speaker's past experiences with her abusive husband have left her scarred and traumatized. The dogs serve as a reminder of this trauma, but also as a symbol of the speaker's resilience and strength.

The theme of redemption is also central to the poem. The speaker has found love again and has been given a second chance at happiness. The dogs are a symbol of this redemption, as they have brought the speaker back to life and given her a sense of purpose and meaning.

Overall, The Angel Food Dogs is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and redemption. It is a testament to the power of love and companionship, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future. The poem is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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