This segment is lyrical in form and poetic in content, as the perspective moves abruptly from image to image. Rosie’s sage status is expressed through Myles’ transcription of a video rerecorded while walking Rosie through a park. Rosie is a “Little god!” as Myles is able to perceive reality untainted by the egos and preconceptions that plague humans. It is clear from the beginning that Rosie is not merely Myles’ pet, but a spiritual guide and an example to uphold. Rosie often chides Myles condescendingly while Myles stumbles to follow Rosie’s teachings. Although Myles’ anguish over the loss of Rosie is at the center of the book, all the heartbreak is tempered with comic absurdity. In the chapter “The Dog’s Journey,” for example, Rosie speaks from the afterlife to counsel Myles about the author’s writing. The book is thus transformed into a collaborative effort as opposed to an ode. Rosie lectures Myles, and Myles offers monosyllabic responses such as “wow” and “sure,” comically reversing the roles of master and pet.
Myles did both of those things, as well as redefined my concept of what a memoir can be, as Afterglow is a multi genre tapestry seen through the perspective of both human and dog.Īfterglow is perhaps Myles’ most experimental work to date. Although broadly categorized as a memoir, it takes the form of disjointed poetic prose, doodles, iPhone photography, transcriptions of audio and video recordings, and much more. I’m not a dog lover, but I am a longtime Eileen Myles fan, so I eagerly delved into the author’s memoir Afterglow, which pays homage to Myles’ now deceased pit-bull, Rosie. I trusted Myles to take me on an engaging journey, and perhaps even change my tepid feelings about man’s best friend. ‘Afterglow (A Dog Memoir)’ by Eileen Myles
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