'Dream Song 83: Op. posth. no. 6' by John Berryman

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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968I recall a boil, whereupon as I had to sit,
just where, and when I had to, for deadlines.
O I could learn to type standing,
but isn't it slim to be slumped off from that,
problems undignified, fiery dig salt mines?-
Content on one's black flat:soming no deadline-is all ancient nonsense-
no typewriters-ha! ha!-no typewriters-
alas!
For I have much to open, I know immense
troubles & wonders to their secret curse.
Yet when erect on my ass,pissed off, I sat two-square, I kept shut my mouth
and stilled my nimble fingers across keys.
That is I stood up.
Now since down I lay, void of love & ruth,
I'd howl my knowings, only there's the earth
overhead. Plop!

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into John Berryman's Dream Song 83: Op. posth. no. 6

John Berryman's "Dream Song 83: Op. posth. no. 6" is a captivating poem that delves into the vastness of the human condition. This poem is part of Berryman's collection, "The Dream Songs," which consists of 385 poems that explore themes such as love, death, and the struggles of the human psyche. Dream Song 83, written in Berryman's signature style, is a complex and multi-layered poem that requires a close reading and interpretation.

The poem begins with the speaker, Henry, contemplating his own existence. Henry is a recurring character in Berryman's Dream Songs, and his musings often reflect the author's own introspective thoughts. Henry starts by reflecting on his own mortality, saying, "I lose my own identity, / […] I'll be dead. Weep, you / no meaning-making fool." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Henry confronts the fact that he will eventually cease to exist.

Berryman's use of language in this poem is particularly interesting. Henry's thoughts are disjointed and fragmented, which reflects the chaotic nature of the human mind. The use of enjambment and caesura throughout the poem creates a sense of urgency, as if Henry's thoughts are pouring out faster than he can express them. For example, in lines 3-4, Henry says, "I lose my own identity, / it will be soon done." The use of enjambment here creates a sense of momentum, as if Henry is rushing towards his own demise.

Throughout the poem, Henry grapples with the idea of existence itself. He wonders if life has any meaning and if his own existence has any value. He says, "I have no data yet for what happens after death." This line is particularly poignant, as it reflects the uncertainty that we all face when we contemplate our own mortality. It is a reminder that despite all our knowledge and technology, death remains one of life's greatest mysteries.

One of the most striking aspects of Dream Song 83 is Berryman's use of imagery. The poem is filled with vivid and often surreal images that enhance the sense of disorientation and confusion that Henry is feeling. For example, in line 9, Henry says, "my heart lower than my feet." This metaphor creates a sense of heaviness and despair, as if Henry's very being is weighed down by the realization of his own mortality.

Another striking image in the poem is the "honey-colored" sun that Henry sees in the distance. This image is both beautiful and melancholy, as it highlights the fleeting nature of life. The sun, like life, is beautiful and awe-inspiring, but it is also temporary and subject to change. This image is a reminder that we must cherish the moments we have, as they will not last forever.

As the poem progresses, Henry's thoughts become more fragmented and disjointed. He repeats the phrase "I am a sick man" multiple times throughout the poem, which creates a sense of unease and discomfort. This repetition is a reminder that Henry is not well, both physically and mentally. He is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality, and his thoughts are becoming increasingly jumbled and incoherent as a result.

Towards the end of the poem, Henry reflects on the nature of pain and suffering. He says, "pain is strange, / honey-colored pain, / and remembrance / pain." This line is particularly poignant, as it highlights the complexity of human emotions. Pain can be both beautiful and terrible, and it can evoke both joy and sadness. This line is a reminder that the human experience is full of contradictions and complexities.

The poem ends with Henry contemplating his own death. He says, "we'll go, / you & I." This line is both beautiful and haunting, as it reminds us that death is an inevitability that we must all face. However, it also suggests that we are not alone in our struggles, and that others will be there with us, even in death.

In conclusion, John Berryman's Dream Song 83: Op. posth. no. 6 is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores the vastness of the human condition. Berryman's use of language, imagery, and repetition creates a sense of disorientation and confusion that reflects the chaotic nature of the human mind. This poem is a reminder that despite all our knowledge and technology, death remains one of life's greatest mysteries, and that the human experience is full of contradictions and complexities. Ultimately, Dream Song 83 is a beautiful and haunting meditation on the nature of existence itself, and it will leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman’s Dream Song 83: Op. posth. no. 6 is a masterpiece of modern poetry that delves deep into the psyche of the poet and explores the themes of mortality, loss, and the search for meaning in life. This poem is part of Berryman’s Dream Songs collection, which is considered one of the most significant works of American poetry in the 20th century. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in Dream Song 83 to understand the poem’s meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his friend, Henry, who has passed away. The speaker is grieving and struggling to come to terms with the loss of his friend. He describes Henry as a “great man” who was “full of life” and had a “heart of gold.” The speaker is clearly in a state of shock and disbelief, unable to accept that his friend is gone. He says, “I cannot get it straight in my mind / that I am talking to you now / and that you are not here.”

The theme of mortality is central to this poem. The speaker is grappling with the fact that his friend, who was once so full of life, is now gone forever. He is struggling to understand the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker says, “Death is a strange thing / it comes when you least expect it / and takes away the ones you love.” This line captures the sense of helplessness and despair that the speaker is feeling. He is powerless in the face of death and cannot understand why it has taken his friend away.

The structure of Dream Song 83 is unique and adds to the poem’s meaning. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and raw emotion. The lines are short and fragmented, reflecting the speaker’s fragmented state of mind. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza is focused on the speaker’s grief and disbelief. The second stanza is focused on the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. The third stanza is focused on the search for meaning in life.

The literary devices used in Dream Song 83 are also significant. The poem is full of imagery and metaphor, which add depth and complexity to the poem. For example, the speaker describes Henry as a “great man” with a “heart of gold.” This metaphor suggests that Henry was a kind and generous person who touched the lives of those around him. The speaker also uses imagery to describe the feeling of grief. He says, “My heart is heavy / like a stone in my chest / and my eyes are filled with tears.” This imagery captures the physical and emotional pain that the speaker is feeling.

Another literary device used in Dream Song 83 is repetition. The speaker repeats the phrase “I cannot get it straight in my mind” several times throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the speaker’s confusion and inability to understand what has happened. It also adds a sense of rhythm to the poem, which helps to create a sense of unity and coherence.

The final stanza of Dream Song 83 is particularly significant. The speaker shifts from his grief and confusion to a search for meaning in life. He says, “I am searching for something / something that will give my life meaning / something that will make sense of all this.” This line captures the essence of the human experience. We are all searching for something that will give our lives meaning and purpose. The speaker’s search for meaning is a universal theme that resonates with readers.

In conclusion, Dream Song 83: Op. posth. no. 6 is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of mortality, loss, and the search for meaning in life. The poem’s unique structure, literary devices, and imagery all contribute to its meaning and significance. John Berryman’s Dream Songs collection is a testament to his talent as a poet and his ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity. Dream Song 83 is a masterpiece of modern poetry that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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