'Train Dogs' Summary

The poem "Train Dogs" follows the journey of a young Mohawk man named Ta-wan-da who, driven by curiosity and a desire for adventure, sets out to train wild dogs for practical uses. As he interacts with these animals, Ta-wan-da learns valuable lessons about respect, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The poem details the process of capturing and taming the dogs, the challenges and rewards of training them, and the eventual use of the dogs in hunting and protection. Through powerful imagery and rhythmic language, Johnson evokes the beauty and harshness of the Canadian wilderness and the profound impact of human-animal interactions. The poem serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both humans and animals, while also emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting the natural world.