'Dream Song 120: Foes I sniff, when I have less to shout' by John Berryman
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Foes I sniff, when I have less to shout
or murmur. Pals alone enormous sounds
downward & up bring real.
Loss, deaths, terror. Over & out,
beloved: thanks for cabbage on my wounds:
I'll feed you how I feel:—
of avocado moist with lemon, yea
formaldehyde & rotting sardines O
in our appointed time
I would I could a touch more fully say
my consentless mind. The senses are below,
which in this air sublime
do I repudiate. But foes I sniff!
My nose in all directions! I be so brave
I creep into an Arctic cave
for the rectal temperature of the biggest bear,
hibernating—in my left hand sugar.
I totter to the lip of the cliff.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 120: Foes I sniff, when I have less to shout by John Berryman
As I read through John Berryman's "Dream Song 120: Foes I sniff, when I have less to shout," I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. The poem is complex, multi-layered, and full of puzzling imagery that challenges the reader's imagination. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I hope to provide a detailed analysis of the poem's themes, imagery, and symbols.
The Poem's Structure and Form
Before we delve into the poem's content, let's take a moment to examine its structure and form. Berryman wrote "Dream Song 120" in the form of a dream song, a poetic form that he created for his collection of poems titled "The Dream Songs." The dream song consists of three stanzas, each containing six lines. The first stanza is written in the form of a question, the second in the form of an answer, and the third in the form of a refrain. Berryman used this form to capture the fragmented and surreal nature of dreams.
The poem's title "Foes I sniff, when I have less to shout" sets the tone for the poem. The word "foes" suggests conflict, opposition, and struggle. The word "sniff" implies that the speaker is searching for something, perhaps a sign of danger or an opportunity for victory. The phrase "when I have less to shout" suggests that the speaker is experiencing a moment of weakness or vulnerability.
The Poem's Themes
At its core, "Dream Song 120" is a poem about the struggle to maintain one's identity in the face of opposition and adversity. The speaker is searching for a way to assert himself in a world that seems to be conspiring against him. The poem explores themes of powerlessness, isolation, and the search for meaning.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the speaker's struggle. The speaker asks, "What happens to a dream deferred?" This line is a reference to Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem," which asks the same question. The question suggests that the speaker is becoming frustrated with the delays and obstacles that are preventing him from achieving his dreams. He wonders if his dreams will wither away and die like a raisin in the sun.
The second stanza begins with the line, "I am weak abroad and slow at home." This line suggests that the speaker is struggling to assert himself both inside and outside of his home. He feels powerless in the face of his enemies and isolated from his friends and family. The speaker goes on to describe his enemies as "double-edged," suggesting that they are dangerous and unpredictable.
The third stanza contains the refrain, "Foes I sniff, when I have less to shout." This line summarizes the speaker's struggle. He is constantly on the lookout for danger, but he feels powerless to do anything about it. He longs for a way to assert himself and overcome his enemies.
The Poem's Imagery and Symbols
One of the most striking aspects of "Dream Song 120" is its use of vivid imagery and symbols. The poem is full of surreal and puzzling images that challenge the reader's imagination.
In the first stanza, the speaker describes his dreams as "a field of weed white with its own dust." This image suggests that the speaker's dreams are suffocating under the weight of their own expectations. The image of weeds suggests that the dreams are unwanted or undesirable.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes his enemies as "double-edged." This image suggests that the enemies are dangerous and unpredictable. The image of a sword with two sharp edges is a symbol of conflict and opposition.
In the third stanza, the speaker describes himself as "a dog that bays at the moon." This image suggests that the speaker is howling in frustration and despair. The image of the moon is a symbol of isolation and loneliness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Dream Song 120: Foes I sniff, when I have less to shout" is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores themes of powerlessness, isolation, and the search for meaning. The poem uses vivid imagery and symbols to create a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. Berryman's use of the dream song form adds to the poem's fragmented and disjointed nature. Overall, "Dream Song 120" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges the reader's imagination and emotions.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 120: Foes I sniff, when I have less to shout is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of his collection of poems called "The Dream Songs". Berryman's poetry is known for its confessional style and its exploration of the human psyche. In this poem, Berryman explores the theme of loneliness and the fear of death.
The poem begins with the line "Foes I sniff, when I have less to shout". This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is alone and feels vulnerable. He is aware of his enemies and is afraid of what they might do to him. The word "sniff" suggests that the speaker is trying to detect the presence of his enemies. He is on high alert and is constantly looking out for danger.
The second line of the poem reads, "With nothing else to do, I sharpen my claws". This line suggests that the speaker is preparing for a fight. He is getting ready to defend himself against his enemies. The word "claws" suggests that the speaker is like an animal. He is ready to attack if he needs to.
The third line of the poem reads, "I lay down and lick my wounds". This line suggests that the speaker has been hurt in the past. He has been in a fight and has been wounded. The word "lick" suggests that the speaker is trying to heal himself. He is trying to forget about the pain and move on.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "I am not a dog, but a man". This line suggests that the speaker is trying to assert his humanity. He is not an animal, but a human being. He has feelings and emotions. He is not just a creature that can be attacked and hurt.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "And I think that there is no greater pain than loneliness". This line is the heart of the poem. The speaker is expressing his fear of being alone. He believes that loneliness is the worst kind of pain. He is afraid of being abandoned and left to fend for himself.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "And I think that there is no greater fear than death". This line suggests that the speaker is afraid of dying. He is afraid of what will happen to him after he dies. He is afraid of the unknown.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "And I think that there is no greater joy than love". This line suggests that the speaker believes that love is the most important thing in life. He believes that love is what makes life worth living. He is searching for love and companionship.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "And I think that there is no greater hope than faith". This line suggests that the speaker believes in something greater than himself. He believes in a higher power that will guide him through life. He is searching for meaning and purpose.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "And I think that there is no greater truth than honesty". This line suggests that the speaker believes in being honest with himself and others. He believes that honesty is the foundation of all relationships. He is searching for authenticity and sincerity.
The final line of the poem reads, "And I think that there is no greater dream than peace". This line suggests that the speaker is searching for peace. He is tired of fighting and being afraid. He wants to live in a world where there is no violence or conflict.
In conclusion, Dream Song 120: Foes I sniff, when I have less to shout is a powerful poem that explores the themes of loneliness, fear, love, faith, honesty, and peace. Berryman's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the speaker's inner world. The poem is a reminder that we are all vulnerable and that we all need love and companionship. It is a call to action to live our lives with honesty, authenticity, and compassion.
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