'Dream Song 87: Op. posth. no. 10' by John Berryman

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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968these hearings endlessly, friends, word is had
Henry may be returning to our life
adult & difficult.
There exist rumors that remote and sad
and quite beyond the knowledge of his wife
to the foothills of the cultwill come in silence this distinguished one
essaying once again the lower slopes
in triumph, keeping up our hopes,
and heading not for the highest we have done
but enigmatic faces, unsurveyed,
calm as a forest gladefor him. I only speak of what I hear
and I have said too much. He may be there
or he may groan in hospital
resuming, as the fates decree, our lot.
I would not interrupt him in whatever, in what
he's bracing him to at all.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 87: Op. posth. no. 10 by John Berryman

Dream Song 87: Op. posth. no. 10 is a poem by John Berryman that explores themes of grief, loss, and the human condition. It is part of Berryman's Dream Songs collection, which is known for its experimental style and use of a persona named Henry.

Overview

The poem begins with the line "I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead," a quote from Sylvia Plath's poem Mirror. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on death and the void that it leaves behind.

The speaker of the poem, presumably Henry, is mourning the loss of a loved one. He describes the pain of their absence in visceral terms, saying that "the ache of absence in my bones, in my head" is unbearable.

Throughout the poem, Henry grapples with the question of how to move on from this loss. He considers the possibility of forgetting, of "tossing memory like a stone," but ultimately decides that this is impossible. The memory of his loved one is too ingrained in his being, too much a part of who he is.

In the final stanza of the poem, Henry comes to a realization. He says that he has "lost two cities, lovely ones. And vaster, some / realms I owned, two rivers, a continent." These cities and realms are metaphors for the things that he has lost in his life, both tangible and intangible. But, he says, "none of these things moves me, lover."

This final line is a powerful statement of Henry's devotion to his loved one. Despite all of the things he has lost, his love remains unshakable.

Analysis

Dream Song 87: Op. posth. no. 10 is a deeply personal poem that reflects Berryman's own experiences with loss and grief. Berryman's father committed suicide when he was a child, and this event had a profound impact on his life and work.

The Dream Songs collection is an attempt by Berryman to grapple with his father's death, as well as other losses that he experienced throughout his life. The persona of Henry allows Berryman to explore these themes in a more abstract, experimental way.

The use of Plath's quote at the beginning of the poem is a nod to Berryman's own struggles with mental illness. Plath was a fellow poet who also struggled with mental illness, and her suicide was a source of inspiration and connection for Berryman.

The repetition of the phrase "the ache of absence" throughout the poem is a powerful way of conveying the speaker's pain. The phrase is both physical and emotional, suggesting that grief is something that is felt throughout the body.

The metaphor of the lost cities and realms is also significant. It suggests that the things that we lose in life are not just physical objects, but entire worlds that we inhabit. The fact that Henry says that none of these things move him except for his love for his lost loved one is a powerful statement of devotion.

Interpretation

Dream Song 87: Op. posth. no. 10 is a deeply moving poem that speaks to the universal experience of loss and grief. It is a reminder that even in the face of great tragedy, love can remain a constant and powerful force.

The poem is also a reflection on the fragility of human existence. The fact that the speaker can lose entire cities and realms suggests that nothing in life is permanent or secure. We are all subject to the whims of fate and time, and our experiences of loss and grief are a testament to this.

At the same time, the poem is a celebration of the human capacity for love and devotion. Despite all of the pain and loss that Henry has experienced, his love for his lost loved one remains unshakeable. This is a testament to the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.

Conclusion

Dream Song 87: Op. posth. no. 10 is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of loss, grief, and love. Through the persona of Henry, Berryman is able to grapple with these themes in an experimental and abstract way.

The poem is a reminder that even in the face of great tragedy, love can remain a constant and powerful force. It is a celebration of the human capacity for resilience and devotion, and a reflection on the fragility of human existence.

Overall, Dream Song 87: Op. posth. no. 10 is a masterpiece of modern poetry that speaks to the human condition in a profound and meaningful way.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman’s Dream Song 87: Op. posth. no. 10 is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. This poem is a part of Berryman’s Dream Songs collection, which is known for its unique style and complex themes. Dream Song 87 is a perfect example of Berryman’s style, as it is a complex and multi-layered poem that requires careful analysis to fully understand. In this article, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Dream Song 87 to gain a deeper understanding of this classic poem.

The first thing that stands out about Dream Song 87 is its structure. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and freedom, which is fitting for a poem about dreams. The poem is also divided into three stanzas, each with a different number of lines. The first stanza has six lines, the second has eight, and the third has ten. This irregular structure adds to the dreamlike quality of the poem, as it feels like the speaker is drifting in and out of consciousness.

The language of Dream Song 87 is also notable. Berryman uses a mix of formal and informal language, as well as slang and invented words. This creates a unique voice for the speaker, who is both relatable and otherworldly. The poem is also full of allusions and references to other works of literature, such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet and T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land. These references add depth and complexity to the poem, as they connect it to a larger literary tradition.

One of the main themes of Dream Song 87 is the relationship between the speaker and his father. The poem begins with the line “My father used to say,” which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker then goes on to describe his father’s advice, which is both humorous and poignant. The father tells the speaker to “get married” and “have children,” but also warns him about the dangers of love and the inevitability of death. This advice is both practical and philosophical, and it reflects the complex relationship between fathers and sons.

Another theme of Dream Song 87 is the nature of dreams and reality. The poem is full of surreal imagery and strange events, such as “a horse with wings” and “a woman with a snake for a tongue.” These images blur the line between reality and fantasy, and they suggest that the speaker is experiencing a dream or a hallucination. However, the poem also contains moments of clarity and insight, such as when the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life. This tension between reality and fantasy creates a sense of unease and uncertainty, which is fitting for a poem about dreams.

Dream Song 87 also explores the theme of mortality. The poem is full of references to death and decay, such as “the worm at the root” and “the skull beneath the skin.” These images suggest that the speaker is aware of his own mortality, and that he is grappling with the inevitability of death. However, the poem also contains moments of hope and optimism, such as when the speaker imagines “a world without end.” This tension between life and death creates a sense of urgency and importance, as the speaker tries to make sense of his own mortality.

In conclusion, Dream Song 87: Op. posth. no. 10 is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores themes of fatherhood, dreams, reality, and mortality. The poem’s structure, language, and imagery create a dreamlike atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating. Berryman’s unique voice and literary references add depth and complexity to the poem, and they connect it to a larger literary tradition. Dream Song 87 is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to Berryman’s skill as a poet.

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