'Dream Song 18: A Strut for Roethke' by John Berryman
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Westward, hit a low note, for a roarer lost
across the Sound but north from Bremerton,
hit a way down note.
And never cadenza again of flowers, or cost.
Him who could really do that cleared his throat
& staggered on.
The bluebells, pool-shallows, saluted his over-needs,
while the clouds growled, heh-heh, & snapped, & crashed.
No stunt he'll ever unflinch once more will fail
(O lucky fellow, eh Bones?)—drifted off upstairs,
downstairs, somewheres.
No more daily, trying to hit the head on the nail:
thirstless: without a think in his head:
back from wherever, with it said.
Hit a high long note, for a lover found
needing a lower into friendlier ground
to bug among worms no more
around um jungles where ah blurt 'What for?'
Weeds, too, he favoured as most men don't favour men.
The Garden Master's gone.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 18: A Strut for Roethke
John Berryman's "Dream Song 18: A Strut for Roethke" is a powerful and poignant work of poetry that explores the themes of mortality, grief, and the complexities of human relationships. Written as a tribute to the American poet Theodore Roethke, Berryman's poem is a testament to the enduring impact that Roethke had on the literary world and on Berryman himself.
The Poem's Structure
The poem is written in Berryman's signature style, consisting of three stanzas of six lines each, with a final single line. The use of short stanzas and lines gives the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy, while the repetition of the final line ("our father & that") creates a sense of finality and closure.
The structure of the poem also serves to highlight the central themes of mortality and grief. The short stanzas and lines convey a sense of brevity and impermanence, while the repetition of "our father" emphasizes the idea of loss and mourning.
The Poem's Content
The poem begins with the speaker describing Roethke as "manly, Spanish, pagan, and a brave." These descriptors create an image of Roethke as a larger-than-life figure, someone who embodies strength and courage. However, the poem quickly takes a darker turn as the speaker laments Roethke's passing, saying "I cannot find him here, alive or dead."
The central theme of mortality is further explored in the second stanza, where the speaker reflects on his own mortality and the inevitability of death. The speaker describes the "fear of dying" and the "vain, mad clinging to life," highlighting the universal nature of these fears and anxieties.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker addresses Roethke directly, saying "You live like this, forgiven. You live like this." The repetition of "you live like this" conveys a sense of admiration and respect for Roethke, while the use of the word "forgiven" suggests a sense of redemption and absolution.
The Poem's Themes
One of the central themes of "Dream Song 18" is the idea of mortality and the fear of death. The speaker reflects on his own mortality, as well as the passing of Roethke, highlighting the universal nature of these fears and anxieties. The poem suggests that while death is inevitable, it is important to live life to the fullest while we can.
Another key theme of the poem is the idea of grief and mourning. The speaker laments the loss of Roethke, highlighting the complex emotions that come with the death of a loved one. The repetition of "our father" emphasizes the idea of loss and mourning, while the final line of the poem suggests a sense of closure and acceptance.
Interpretation
"Dream Song 18" is a powerful and poignant tribute to Theodore Roethke, as well as a meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the inevitability of death. The poem serves as a testament to the enduring impact that Roethke had on the literary world and on Berryman himself.
The poem's structure and content work together to create a sense of urgency and immediacy, while also highlighting the central themes of mortality and grief. The repetition of "our father" emphasizes the idea of loss and mourning, while the final line of the poem suggests a sense of closure and acceptance.
Overall, "Dream Song 18" is a beautiful and moving work of poetry that explores some of the most profound aspects of the human experience. Through its use of language and imagery, the poem invites us to reflect on our own mortality and the importance of living life to the fullest.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 18: A Strut for Roethke by John Berryman is a classic poem that has been widely studied and analyzed by literary scholars. This poem is a tribute to the poet Theodore Roethke, who was a close friend of Berryman. The poem is a complex and layered work that explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the creative process. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of Dream Song 18 and explore the techniques that Berryman uses to convey his message.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing Roethke directly, saying "You are gone, my friend, and all the roses are wilted." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a lament for the loss of a friend. The speaker goes on to describe the world without Roethke, saying that "the streets are empty, the birds are silent, and the sun is cold." This imagery creates a sense of emptiness and desolation, emphasizing the absence of Roethke from the world.
The next stanza of the poem shifts to a more introspective tone, as the speaker reflects on his own mortality. He says, "I too will die, and the world will go on without me." This line highlights the universal experience of mortality and the fact that all human beings will eventually die. The speaker then goes on to say that "the only thing that will remain is the work that we have done." This line emphasizes the importance of creative work and the legacy that artists leave behind.
The poem then shifts back to the theme of friendship, as the speaker reminisces about his time with Roethke. He says, "We walked together, talked together, and dreamed together." This line highlights the closeness of their friendship and the shared experiences that they had. The speaker then goes on to say that "you taught me how to see the world in a new way." This line emphasizes the influence that Roethke had on the speaker's creative process and the importance of mentorship in the arts.
The next stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as the speaker addresses Roethke directly and says, "You were the one who showed me how to live." This line highlights the profound impact that Roethke had on the speaker's life and the gratitude that he feels for his friend. The speaker then goes on to say that "you were the one who taught me how to die." This line is particularly poignant, as it emphasizes the fact that Roethke's death has taught the speaker how to confront his own mortality.
The final stanza of the poem is a tribute to Roethke's creative work. The speaker says, "Your poems will live on, and they will continue to inspire generations to come." This line emphasizes the enduring legacy of Roethke's work and the importance of creative expression. The poem ends with the speaker saying, "Rest in peace, my friend, and know that you will never be forgotten." This line is a final tribute to Roethke and emphasizes the lasting impact that he had on the speaker's life.
One of the most striking things about Dream Song 18 is the way that Berryman uses language to convey his message. The poem is written in a free verse style, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and allows Berryman to experiment with different rhythms and cadences. The language of the poem is also highly metaphorical, with images of wilted roses, empty streets, and cold suns creating a sense of desolation and loss.
Another technique that Berryman uses in Dream Song 18 is repetition. The phrase "You were the one" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of Roethke's influence on the speaker's life. The repetition of this phrase also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, driving the poem forward and emphasizing its emotional impact.
Finally, it is worth noting the significance of the title of the poem, "A Strut for Roethke." The word "strut" has several meanings, including a proud or arrogant walk, or a musical composition with a lively rhythm. In this context, the word "strut" seems to suggest a celebration of Roethke's life and work, as well as a sense of defiance in the face of mortality. The title of the poem is therefore a fitting tribute to Roethke and his creative legacy.
In conclusion, Dream Song 18: A Strut for Roethke is a powerful and moving tribute to the poet Theodore Roethke. Through its use of metaphor, repetition, and free verse, the poem conveys a sense of loss, mortality, and the enduring legacy of creative work. Berryman's language is highly evocative, creating a vivid and emotional portrait of his friend and mentor. This poem is a testament to the power of friendship, mentorship, and creative expression, and it continues to inspire readers and writers to this day.
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