Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Parkinson's Disease," Galway Kinnell tenderly captures the intimate and poignant moments between a caregiver and her ailing father. The poem delves deeply into the themes of aging, illness, love, and the cyclical nature of care, painting a vivid picture of the emotional and physical toll of Parkinson's disease.

The poem opens with a simple yet profound act of caregiving: "While spoon-feeding him with one hand / she holds his hand with her other hand." This dual action of feeding and holding highlights the simultaneous physical support and emotional connection required in caregiving. The father's hand, "permanently clenched shut," symbolizes the physical rigidity and helplessness brought on by Parkinson's. The caregiver's gentle persistence is evident as she "reaches around and puts in the spoonful blind" when he turns his head away, illustrating her adaptability and patience.

Kinnell's depiction of the father's enjoyment of food, specifically shrimp, underscores the importance of sensory pleasures in his limited world. His "bright squint" conveys a moment of delight, reinforcing the poem's reflection that "Next to the voice and touch of those we love, / food may be our last pleasure on earth." This sentiment is further emphasized by the analogy to a man on death row savoring his last meal, highlighting the primal and enduring comfort that food provides.

The poem's focus shifts to the caregiver's tender ministrations, as she "strokes / his head very slowly" and "presses / her cheek to his, kisses his jowl." These actions, filled with love and compassion, seem to momentarily transform the father's perception, causing his eyes to "emit light" and suggesting a transcendence of his suffering. Kinnell muses on the nature of heaven, pondering if it could be "a time, after we are dead, / of remembering the knowledge / flesh had from flesh." This contemplation underscores the deep, almost sacred connection between the caregiver and her father.

Kinnell continues to explore the father's physical decline and the complexities of his facial expressions. His face, "hard, perhaps / from years spent facing down others," reflects a lifetime of experiences, now softened into a "quizzical wince" as he attempts to navigate the simplest of actions. The description of him using "both thumbtips to grip" a cookie illustrates the painstaking effort required for basic tasks, further emphasizing his vulnerability.

The poem's narrative then shifts to a scene in the bathroom, where the caregiver tends to her father's most private needs with dignity and care. The detailed description of changing his diaper and ensuring he can relieve himself highlights the complete reversal of roles and the intimate nature of their relationship. This act of care is both a humbling and loving gesture, symbolizing the full circle of life and the responsibilities it entails.

In a poignant moment, the caregiver leads her father out of the bathroom, "walking backwards in front of him / and holding his hands." This image of guidance and support is contrasted with a memory from her childhood, where she "stood / in bare feet on the toes of his shoes / and they foxtrotted on this same rug." The juxtaposition of past and present underscores the cyclical nature of their relationship and the enduring bond between them.

The poem concludes with the speaker's reflection on the caregiving process, recognizing that the caregiver "could be teaching him / the last steps that one day she may teach me." This acknowledgment of the inevitability of aging and the passing of roles from one generation to the next imbues the poem with a sense of continuity and inevitability. The father's "glints and shines" at the poem's end suggest a peaceful acceptance, as if the transition from life to death will be "only a small dislocation."

"Parkinson's Disease" is a deeply moving exploration of love, care, and the human condition. Through his detailed and compassionate portrayal of a caregiver's devotion, Kinnell captures the profound intimacy and resilience required in the face of debilitating illness. The poem invites readers to reflect on the nature of life, the bonds that sustain us, and the inevitable cycles of care and compassion that define our existence.