'Dream Song 85: Op. posth. no. 8' by John Berryman

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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968Flak. An eventful thought came to me,
who squirm in my hole. How will the matter end?
Who's king these nights?
What happened to . . . day? Are ships abroad?
I would like to but may not entertain a friend.
Save me from ghastly frights,Triune! My wood or word seems to be rotting.
I daresay I'm collapsing. Worms are at hand.
No, all that froze,
I mean the blood. 'O get up & go in'
somewhere once I heard. Nowadays I doze.
It's cold here.The cold is ultimating. The cold is cold.
I am-I should be held together by-
but I am breaking up
and Henry now has come to a full stop-
vanisht his vision, if there was, & fold
him over himself quietly.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 85: Op. posth. no. 8 by John Berryman

Wow, where to begin with this poem? John Berryman's Dream Song 85: Op. posth. no. 8 is a complex and haunting piece of poetry that is both challenging and rewarding to read. Berryman is known for his dream songs, a series of 385 poems that explore the psyche and the human condition. Dream Song 85 is an excellent example of Berryman's unique style and his ability to capture the complexities of life and the human mind.

Summary

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his friend, Mr. Bones, who is dead. The speaker asks Mr. Bones if he remembers the time they met at a bar and shared a drink. The speaker then goes on to describe a dream he had about Mr. Bones, in which they were both in a boat on a river. The speaker describes the river as "black as ink" and the boat as "rotten." The boat sinks, and the speaker and Mr. Bones are left floating in the water. The speaker then wakes up from the dream.

Throughout the poem, the speaker refers to Mr. Bones as a "gentleman," and it becomes apparent that they had a close relationship. The speaker seems to be grappling with Mr. Bones' death and trying to make sense of it.

Analysis and Interpretation

Dream Song 85 is a poem that is open to interpretation, and there are many ways to read it. At its core, the poem is about grief and loss, and the speaker's attempt to process his emotions. The poem is also about memory and the power of the mind to create and distort memories.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way Berryman uses language to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The poem is full of surreal and vivid images, such as the river that is "black as ink" and the boat that is "rotten." These images create a sense of unease and uncertainty, and they reflect the speaker's own confused state of mind.

The boat sinking in the dream is a powerful symbol of loss and death. The boat represents the speaker's relationship with Mr. Bones, and its sinking represents the end of that relationship. The fact that the boat is described as "rotten" suggests that the relationship was already deteriorating before Mr. Bones' death.

The speaker's use of the word "gentleman" to describe Mr. Bones is significant. It suggests that Mr. Bones was a respected and well-liked person, and that the speaker felt a strong connection to him. The use of the word "gentleman" also adds a sense of formality and respect to the poem, which contrasts with the dreamlike atmosphere.

The theme of memory is also important in the poem. The fact that the speaker is addressing Mr. Bones directly suggests that he is trying to connect with him in some way. The dream about the boat on the river is also a product of memory, and it reflects the speaker's attempt to make sense of his own feelings.

The final line of the poem, "O bones," is a poignant and powerful conclusion to the poem. It suggests that the speaker has come to terms with Mr. Bones' death, and that he is ready to move on. The use of the word "bones" instead of Mr. Bones' name is also significant. It suggests that Mr. Bones has become a symbol of death and mortality, and that the speaker has accepted this fact.

Conclusion

Dream Song 85: Op. posth. no. 8 is a beautiful and haunting poem that explores themes of grief, loss, and memory. Berryman's use of language and imagery creates a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the complexities of the human mind. The poem is also a tribute to the power of memory and the importance of coming to terms with loss. Overall, Dream Song 85 is a powerful and moving piece of poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman’s Dream Song 85: Op. posth. no. 8 is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of human existence in a way that is both profound and deeply moving. This poem is a part of Berryman’s Dream Songs collection, which is widely regarded as one of the most important works of American poetry in the 20th century. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in Dream Song 85 to understand the poem’s significance and impact.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a dream in which he is walking through a field of wheat. The wheat is described as being “golden” and “ripe,” which suggests that it is a symbol of abundance and prosperity. However, the speaker’s attention is drawn to a “blackened” spot in the field, which represents a dark and ominous presence that threatens to disrupt the idyllic scene. This contrast between light and dark, good and evil, is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

As the speaker continues to walk through the field, he encounters a group of people who are “singing and dancing.” The joy and exuberance of the people are in stark contrast to the darkness of the blackened spot, which suggests that they are a symbol of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. However, the speaker is unable to join in their celebration, as he is “too old” and “too tired” to participate. This sense of weariness and fatigue is a common theme in Berryman’s work, as he often explores the struggles of aging and mortality.

The poem then takes a surreal turn, as the speaker encounters a “giant” who is “eating the heads off of roses.” This image is both grotesque and surreal, and it suggests that the speaker is confronting a force that is both destructive and irrational. The giant is also described as being “black,” which reinforces the idea that he represents a dark and malevolent force.

Despite the threat posed by the giant, the speaker is able to confront him and demand that he stop eating the roses. This act of defiance is a powerful moment in the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is capable of standing up to the forces of darkness and evil. However, the victory is short-lived, as the giant simply “shrugs” and continues his destructive behavior. This moment of defeat is a reminder that the struggle against evil is never easy, and that victory is often fleeting.

The poem then shifts focus to the speaker’s own mortality, as he reflects on the fact that he is “old” and “tired.” He describes himself as being “like a tree,” which suggests that he is rooted in place and unable to move forward. This sense of stagnation and inertia is a common theme in Berryman’s work, as he often explores the struggles of aging and the fear of death.

Despite the speaker’s sense of weariness and fatigue, he is still able to find moments of beauty and joy in the world around him. He describes the “sun” as being “bright” and “warm,” which suggests that he is able to find comfort and solace in the natural world. This moment of beauty is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope and light to be found.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the fact that he is “alone” and “afraid.” This sense of isolation and fear is a common theme in Berryman’s work, as he often explores the struggles of the individual in a chaotic and unpredictable world. However, the poem also ends on a note of hope, as the speaker declares that he will “go on” and “sing” despite his fears and doubts. This moment of defiance is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit is capable of enduring and persevering.

In terms of structure, Dream Song 85 is a free verse poem that is divided into six stanzas of varying lengths. The poem is characterized by its use of repetition, as the phrase “too old” is repeated throughout the poem to emphasize the speaker’s sense of weariness and fatigue. The poem also makes use of imagery and symbolism, as the wheat field, the blackened spot, the singing and dancing people, and the giant are all powerful symbols that contribute to the poem’s overall meaning and impact.

In conclusion, Dream Song 85: Op. posth. no. 8 is a powerful and deeply moving poem that captures the essence of human existence in a way that is both profound and poignant. Through its use of imagery, symbolism, and repetition, the poem explores themes of light and dark, good and evil, aging and mortality, and the struggle of the individual in a chaotic and unpredictable world. Despite its dark and somber tone, the poem also offers moments of beauty and hope, as the speaker is able to find solace and comfort in the natural world and in his own resilience and determination. Overall, Dream Song 85 is a masterpiece of modern poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.

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