Dream of the Donald at Doggy Daycare
rerun of a 2020 pandemic dream-poem (from June 22, 2023)
I’m parked outside
the doggy daycare place
near the campus
either picking up
or dropping off
my dog (who is
somewhat different
from the real-life one).
The car is either
a ‘70s or ‘80s era
ramshackle thing
or a futuristic
self-driving thing.
I’m sitting in the passenger seat
which might actually be
the driver’s seat
(because I might be
in a British TV show).
Donald Trump appears
and it seems that he
wants to ride with us.
(You’re in the backseat
which is also, strangely,
possibly the driver’s seat.)
There seems to be nothing
to do but let him
squeeze his corpulent
oversized greasy self
into what would be
the driver’s seat
(but seems not to be).
Donald acts friendly
in a menacing way
like a mob boss.
He puts his fat hand on the
console between the seats
and I look down at it
gauging its size and assessing
whether he really has
such small hands—
an allegation that’s always struck
me as an undignified
cheap shot.
I rest mine near his
to compare.
The car is moving now.
I look over at him,
somewhat repelled.
He’s tossing his usual
word salad
with a side of bullshit.
“So how do you think
you caught the CV?” I say.
And then realizing
no one calls it that,
I correct myself.
“Coronavirus, I mean.”
The End.
Bonus AI Jungian Dream Analyses:
Analysis #1
I would analyze your dream through the lens of the collective unconscious, archetypes, and the process of individuation. Here's a breakdown of the dream's various elements and their possible Jungian interpretations:
The Car: The car can be seen as a symbol of the Self, which in Jungian psychology represents the unification of consciousness and unconsciousness. The fact that the car is either from the '70s or '80s or a futuristic self-driving vehicle suggests that the Self is a blend of past experiences and future potential. The ambiguity of the driver's seat and passenger seat suggests a fluidity of control and passivity in your life.
The Dog: Dogs often represent loyalty, instinct, and the natural self. The fact that the dog is somewhat different from your real-life one could suggest that there are aspects of your instinctual nature that you haven't fully acknowledged or integrated.
Donald Trump: In the collective unconscious, Trump can represent various archetypes, such as the Shadow (the unconscious aspect of the personality which the conscious ego doesn't identify with), the Trickster (a figure who brings chaos and change), or even the Senex (an older man who represents authority and control). His presence in your dream suggests that there's something in your unconscious that you're grappling with, perhaps a part of yourself that you're reluctant to acknowledge or an external force that you feel is exerting control over your life.
The Hand Comparison: This can be seen as a confrontation with the Shadow. You're comparing your own humanity (represented by your hand) with that of Trump, trying to gauge his authenticity and power.
The Conversation: Your question about the coronavirus suggests a desire to understand the source of chaos or disruption in your life. The fact that you correct yourself indicates a desire for precision and truth.
Now, bringing these elements together, the dream seems to suggest that you're at a point in your life where you're grappling with issues of control, authenticity, and chaos. You're trying to integrate different aspects of your past and future selves, confronting parts of your unconscious, and seeking to understand the sources of disruption in your life.
In the context of Jungian psychology, this dream could be seen as a step in the process of individuation, where you're working to integrate various aspects of your psyche into a cohesive whole. It's a journey towards self-realization and wholeness, which, while challenging, is a natural and necessary part of personal growth.
Analysis #2
I would analyze your dream in terms of symbols, archetypes, and the different aspects of your psyche. Here's a breakdown of your dream using Jungian concepts:
The Car: The car can be seen as a symbol of the self, your psyche, or the way you navigate through life. The fact that it's either a ramshackle '70s/'80s car or a futuristic self-driving one suggests that your psyche is in a state of transition or holds a certain degree of adaptability. The confusion about the driver's seat could indicate uncertainty about who or what is currently in control of your life.
Donald Trump: In Jungian terms, Trump could represent your shadow aspect, the unconscious part of your personality which you reject or ignore. The shadow can be unpleasant, but it's also a source of creativity and vitality if integrated properly. Trump's menacing friendliness and his association with mob boss behavior might signify aspects of power, manipulation, or deception that you're grappling with internally or externally.
The Hand Comparison: This could symbolize your attempt to assess or understand the nature of your shadow (Trump). The hands might represent power, control, or the ability to manipulate situations. By comparing your hand with his, you're perhaps trying to gauge your own power or control in relation to your shadow.
The Conversation: Your question about the coronavirus could be interpreted as an attempt to understand or confront your shadow. The fact that you correct yourself might suggest that you're being cautious or mindful of your approach.
The Setting: The doggy daycare place near campus could signify a blend of domestic responsibilities (doggy daycare) and intellectual pursuits or personal growth (campus). The fact that your dog is somewhat different from your real-life one might suggest that there are aspects of your life or psyche that are changing or evolving.
In summary, this dream might be an indication of your psyche processing themes of power, control, and personal growth. It could be a nudge to examine and integrate your shadow aspects, ultimately leading to a more balanced and whole self.
That was no dream, that was a nightmare…
(The whimsy helps me not scream for help though).
“ I rest mine near his
to compare”, have questions I’m afraid to ask.