Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Breathing, The Endless News" by Rita Dove is a profound exploration of the human need for myth, the innate loneliness of deities, and the powerful role of imagination in shaping our understanding of the divine and ourselves. This poem delves into the symbolic and existential relationship between humans, their creations (both divine and mundane), and the cyclical nature of belief and identity.

The poem begins with the declaration that "Every god is lonely, an exile composed of parts: elk horn, cloven hoof." This imagery suggests that gods, much like myths, are amalgamations of various elements that humans have pieced together in an attempt to understand the world. These gods are portrayed as receptacles for human desires and wishes, highlighting the idea that deities are inherently empty or incomplete without human engagement and belief. The image of a god, "penitent, / raking our yards into windblown piles..." evokes a sense of these powerful beings performing mundane, almost pitiful tasks, further emphasizing their dependence on human interaction to imbue them with purpose and significance.

Dove then shifts focus to children, who she describes as "the trailings of gods." This metaphor beautifully captures the notion that children are both literally and figuratively the offspring of human and divine creation, born empty and gradually filled with the "myth of ourselves." This filling process alludes to the way humans impart their values, stories, and cultural heritage onto the next generation, perpetuating both individual and collective identities.

The mention of dolls introduces another layer to the poem. Dolls, in contrast to the divine or children, are static and lifeless — "out for the count, each toe pouting from the slumped-over toddler clothes." Dove points out that there is "no blossoming there," highlighting the inert nature of dolls which, unlike children or gods, do not grow or change. Yet, these dolls serve a crucial purpose in the lives of children, who intuitively "know just what to do— / line them up and shoot them." This line is chilling and reveals a darker aspect of play and imagination, where the act of playing with dolls becomes a rehearsal for dominance and destruction.

In this play, each "execution" paradoxically makes both "doll and god grow stronger," suggesting that through acts of imagination — even those that are violent or destructive — the concepts and constructs they represent gain power and resilience. This reflects a complex view of how humans interact with their myths and creations: even as we seek to control or destroy them, we also reinforce their presence and their influence over us.

Overall, "The Breathing, The Endless News" by Rita Dove is a layered and contemplative poem that examines the symbiotic relationship between humans and their mythic and material creations. Through the lens of childhood, divinity, and play, Dove explores the ways in which beliefs, narratives, and identities are constructed, challenged, and perpetuated across generations, weaving an intricate tapestry of existential reflection on the nature of creation and belief.

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