This
past week, we had to read a couple of poems about dogs in class. One of the
poems that stuck out was Retired
Greyhound, II. The poem gives the perspective of a dog. The dog talks about
how he was abused to the point where an animal loses his trust in humans. He
describes his horrible ordeal by saying his fear of raised hands and deep men’s
voices. Then, the poem switches directions. The dog talks about his unlikely
owner. His owner was attacked by a dog many years ago. She has scars around her
eyes. What makes this poem so unique is that this owner and dog would have
never been pictured together. They are supposed to be scared of each other, but
they prove their fears wrong. They rebel against the stereotype that the world
has placed on them. This poem tells the reader that they can step out of their
fears and do what people least expect. They do not have to be pinned down by
the past. They can move ahead to the future without fear.
