'Dream Song 112: My framework is broken, I am coming to an end' by John Berryman
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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968My framework is broken, I am coming to an end,
God send it soon. When I had most to say
my tongue clung to the roof
I mean of my mouth. It is my Lady's birthday
which must be honoured, and has been. God send
it soon.I now must speak to my disciples, west
and east. I say to you, Do not delay
I say, expectation is vain.
I say again, It is my Lady's birthday
which must be honoured. Bring her to the test
at once.I say again, It is my Lady's birthday
which must be honoured, for her high black hair
but not for that alone:
for every word she utters everywhere
shows her good soul, as true as a healed bone,-
being part of what I meant to say.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry Interpretation and Criticism: Dream Song 112 by John Berryman
John Berryman's Dream Song 112 is a moving and deeply introspective poem that explores the themes of loss, mortality, and the fragility of the human condition. The poem, which was first published in 1968 as part of Berryman's Pulitzer Prize-winning collection, The Dream Songs, is a complex and multi-layered work that demands careful attention and interpretation.
Summary and Analysis
At its core, Dream Song 112 is a meditation on the inevitability of death and the sense of dislocation that comes with the realization that the end is near. The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker describes himself as feeling "broken" and "coming to an end." He speaks of his "framework," which is a metaphor for the structure of his life, and suggests that it is failing him: "My framework is broken, I am coming to an end / God send his mercy to me and mine, amen."
From this opening, Berryman takes the reader on a journey through the speaker's inner landscape, as he confronts the reality of his own mortality. The poem is divided into three distinct sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the speaker's existential crisis.
In the first section, the speaker reflects on the transience and fragility of human life, using the metaphor of a "flower" that blooms for a brief moment and then fades away: "A little longer, & the snow white blooms / Looked on their birthplace, & died, fell into the ground / Of heaven or hell, & we saw them no more."
The second section of the poem is more introspective, as the speaker reflects on his own life and the choices he has made. He speaks of the "shame" and "regret" he feels, suggesting that he has not lived up to his own standards: "What did I know, what did I know / Of love's austere and lonely offices?"
Finally, in the third section, the speaker turns his attention to the future, acknowledging that death is inevitable and that he must accept it: "I cannot go on any longer, no longer at all / Nor can you, nor do I care for what you say, / And I am coming to an end, I hope." Here, Berryman suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather accepted as a natural part of the cycle of life.
Literary Devices
One of the most striking things about Dream Song 112 is the richness and complexity of Berryman's language. The poem is full of metaphor and allusion, and the language is often highly musical and rhythmic.
One of the most powerful literary devices in the poem is the use of repetition. Throughout the poem, Berryman repeats certain key phrases and words, such as "broken," "coming to an end," and "God send his mercy." This repetition creates a sense of urgency and intensity, as if the speaker is grappling with something he cannot fully comprehend.
Another important literary device in Dream Song 112 is the use of symbolism. The flower metaphor used in the first section of the poem is a powerful symbol for the transience of human life: just as a flower blooms and then fades away, so too does human life come to an end. Similarly, the use of the word "framework" as a metaphor for the structure of the speaker's life is highly symbolic, suggesting that his sense of self is falling apart.
Finally, the language and rhythm of the poem is highly musical, with Berryman using a range of techniques to create a sense of movement and flow. The poem is written in free verse, and the use of enjambment and repetition of sounds and phrases creates a sense of momentum and energy.
Interpretation
There are many possible ways to interpret Dream Song 112, but one of the most compelling readings is as a meditation on the human condition and the inevitability of death. Berryman suggests that life is fleeting and fragile, and that we are all ultimately powerless in the face of our own mortality.
At the same time, however, the poem is also a celebration of life and the human spirit. Despite the speaker's sense of despair and dislocation, there is a sense of resilience and strength that shines through. The speaker may be "broken" and "coming to an end," but he is also able to reflect on his life and come to some kind of acceptance of his fate.
Finally, Dream Song 112 can also be read as a commentary on the nature of poetry itself. The language and rhythm of the poem is highly musical and poetic, creating a sense of beauty and resonance that transcends the words themselves. In this way, Berryman suggests that poetry has the power to capture the essence of the human experience, even in the face of death and despair.
Conclusion
Dream Song 112 is a powerful and deeply moving poem that explores the themes of loss, mortality, and the fragility of the human condition. Through the use of rich metaphor, symbolism, and powerful language, Berryman takes the reader on a journey through the speaker's inner landscape, as he confronts the reality of his own mortality.
At its core, the poem is a meditation on the human experience, and the inevitability of death. Through the use of repetition, enjambment, and musical language, Berryman suggests that even in the face of despair and dislocation, there is a sense of resilience and strength that shines through.
Dream Song 112 is a testament to the power of poetry, and a reminder of the enduring nature of the human spirit, even in the face of mortality.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Berryman’s “Dream Song 112: My framework is broken, I am coming to an end” is a powerful and poignant poem that delves into the themes of mortality, despair, and the fragility of the human condition. The poem is part of Berryman’s Dream Songs collection, which is known for its surreal imagery, complex syntax, and emotional intensity. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of “Dream Song 112” and examine how Berryman uses language and form to convey his message.
The poem begins with the speaker declaring that his “framework is broken” and that he is “coming to an end.” This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes a sense of despair and hopelessness. The word “framework” suggests that the speaker’s physical or mental structure is collapsing, and the phrase “coming to an end” implies that he is nearing death. This sense of finality is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase “I am coming to an end” throughout the poem, which creates a sense of inevitability and resignation.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the image of a “black wing” that is “beating, beating.” This image is both ominous and surreal, and it adds to the sense of foreboding that permeates the poem. The black wing could be interpreted as a symbol of death or of some other dark force that is closing in on the speaker. The repetition of the word “beating” creates a sense of urgency and intensity, as if the wing is getting closer and closer.
In the third stanza, the speaker describes himself as a “broken cup” that is “emptied of its water.” This metaphor suggests that the speaker’s life force or vitality is draining away, leaving him empty and hollow. The image of the broken cup also implies that the speaker is fragile and easily shattered, further emphasizing his vulnerability.
The fourth stanza introduces the image of a “white horse” that is “galloping” towards the speaker. This image is both beautiful and terrifying, as it suggests a powerful and unstoppable force that is bearing down on the speaker. The white horse could be interpreted as a symbol of death or of some other force that is beyond the speaker’s control. The use of the present participle “galloping” creates a sense of immediacy and urgency, as if the horse is already upon the speaker.
The fifth stanza introduces the image of a “black cloud” that is “falling, falling.” This image is both ominous and surreal, and it adds to the sense of impending doom that permeates the poem. The black cloud could be interpreted as a symbol of death or of some other dark force that is descending upon the speaker. The repetition of the word “falling” creates a sense of inevitability and finality, as if the cloud is already upon the speaker.
The final stanza of the poem brings all of these images together in a powerful and haunting conclusion. The speaker declares that he is “done with the world’s weight” and that he is “leaving it behind.” This line suggests that the speaker has given up on life and is ready to let go. The repetition of the phrase “I am coming to an end” reinforces this sense of finality and resignation.
Overall, “Dream Song 112” is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of mortality, despair, and the fragility of the human condition. Berryman’s use of surreal imagery, complex syntax, and emotional intensity creates a sense of urgency and intensity that is both beautiful and terrifying. The poem is a testament to the power of language and the ability of poetry to capture the deepest emotions and experiences of the human soul.
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