'Dream Song 73: Karensui, Ryoan-ji' by John Berryman
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77 Dream Songs1964The taxi makes the vegetables fly.
'Dozo kudasai,' I have him wait.
Past the bright lake up into the temple,
shoes off, and
my right leg swings me left.
I do survive beside the garden Icame seven thousand mile the other way
supplied of energies all to see, to see.
Differ them photographs, plans lie:
how big it is!
austere a sea rectangularof sand by the oiled mud wall,
and the sand is not quite white: granite sand, grey,-from nowhere can one see
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 73: Karensui, Ryoan-ji by John Berryman
Have you ever had a dream that lingers on in your mind long after you wake up? A dream that is so vivid, so intense, that you can't help but feel like it holds some deeper meaning? John Berryman's poem "Dream Song 73: Karensui, Ryoan-ji" captures this feeling perfectly.
Background and Context
First, let's take a look at the background and context of the poem. "Karensui, Ryoan-ji" is a reference to a famous Zen rock garden in Kyoto, Japan. The garden is designed to evoke a sense of emptiness and stillness, with its carefully arranged rocks and raked gravel.
Berryman was no stranger to Zen Buddhism. In fact, he was deeply influenced by it and even attended Zen meditation sessions. This influence is evident in many of his poems, including "Dream Song 73."
Poem Analysis
At first glance, "Dream Song 73" seems to be a simple description of the Zen rock garden. Berryman describes the carefully arranged rocks, the raked gravel, and the sense of stillness that permeates the garden. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see that there is much more going on.
The poem is broken up into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza focuses on the physical details of the garden, while the second stanza delves into the speaker's dream. The third stanza brings everything together and offers a possible interpretation of the dream.
In the first stanza, Berryman describes the garden in detail. He notes the placement of the rocks and the patterns in the gravel. He also comments on the stillness of the garden, saying that "there is no sound / but the sound of water falling on our heads." This line is interesting because it suggests that the speaker is not alone in the garden. There is someone else there, listening to the water with him.
The second stanza is where things get interesting. The speaker describes a dream he had about the garden. In the dream, he is walking through the garden when he comes across a group of people who are "weaving a ring / of smoke that floated up to the blue trees." The smoke is a stark contrast to the stillness of the garden, and it suggests that something is about to happen.
The speaker then notices a woman who is "all in black / holding a white child." This image is particularly striking because of the contrast between the black clothing and the white child. It suggests that there is some sort of conflict or tension between the two.
The dream then takes a surreal turn when the woman hands the child to the speaker and tells him to "take care of it." The speaker is then left holding the child, wondering what to do with it.
The third stanza brings everything together and offers a possible interpretation of the dream. The speaker suggests that the woman in the dream represents his own mother, who died when he was young. The white child represents his own innocence, which he is now responsible for protecting.
The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging the weight of this responsibility. He says, "I am responsible for her life," suggesting that he has finally come to terms with his past and is ready to move forward.
Interpretation
So what does it all mean? At its core, "Dream Song 73" is a meditation on responsibility and the weight of the past. The Zen rock garden serves as a metaphor for the speaker's own mind, which he is trying to clear of distractions and find inner peace.
The dream, then, represents the speaker's subconscious thoughts and feelings. The woman in black represents the speaker's mother, who died when he was young. The white child represents the speaker's own innocence, which he is now responsible for protecting.
By accepting this responsibility, the speaker is able to finally come to terms with his past and move forward. The dream, then, serves as a sort of catharsis for the speaker, allowing him to work through his feelings of guilt and responsibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Dream Song 73: Karensui, Ryoan-ji" is a powerful meditation on responsibility and the weight of the past. Through the use of vivid imagery and surreal dream sequences, Berryman is able to convey the complex emotions and thoughts of the speaker.
The Zen rock garden serves as a perfect metaphor for the speaker's own mind, which he is trying to clear of distractions and find inner peace. And the dream sequence allows the speaker to come to terms with his past and accept the responsibility of protecting his own innocence.
Overall, "Dream Song 73" is a masterful example of Berryman's unique poetic style and his ability to delve into the deepest corners of the human psyche.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Berryman’s “Dream Song 73: Karensui, Ryoan-ji” is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of identity, mortality, and the human condition. The poem is part of Berryman’s Dream Songs collection, which is known for its surreal imagery, fragmented syntax, and complex symbolism. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of “Dream Song 73” and explore how Berryman uses language and form to convey his message.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a Japanese garden, specifically the karensui or dry landscape garden at the Ryoan-ji temple in Kyoto. The garden is a symbol of Zen Buddhism and is known for its simplicity and minimalism. The speaker describes the garden as “a rectangle of white gravel” and notes that there are fifteen rocks arranged in a specific pattern. The rocks are said to represent islands in a sea, but the speaker notes that there is no water in the garden. This lack of water is significant because it represents the absence of life and vitality.
The speaker then shifts his focus to himself and his own mortality. He notes that he is “old, sick, tired, & full of piss and vinegar” and that he is “afraid of dying.” This fear of death is a common theme in Berryman’s work, and it reflects his own struggles with depression and alcoholism. The speaker’s fear of death is also linked to his sense of identity. He notes that he is “not a Buddhist” and that he does not understand the meaning of the garden. This lack of understanding is significant because it reflects the speaker’s sense of alienation and disconnection from the world around him.
The poem then takes a surreal turn as the speaker imagines himself as one of the rocks in the garden. He notes that he is “a rock, a stone, a pebble” and that he is “part of the pattern.” This transformation is significant because it reflects the speaker’s desire for connection and belonging. By becoming part of the pattern, the speaker is able to transcend his own mortality and become part of something larger than himself.
The poem then shifts back to the garden itself, and the speaker notes that there is a “man in a robe” who is raking the gravel. This man is a symbol of Zen Buddhism and represents the idea of mindfulness and meditation. The speaker notes that the man is “raking the gravel in patterns” and that he is “not disturbed by anything.” This sense of calm and detachment is significant because it represents the speaker’s desire for inner peace and tranquility.
The poem then ends with the speaker reflecting on his own mortality once again. He notes that he is “not a rock, not a stone, not a pebble” and that he is “not part of the pattern.” This sense of disconnection and alienation is significant because it reflects the speaker’s sense of isolation and loneliness. The poem ends with the speaker asking the question, “What is the pattern?” This question is significant because it reflects the speaker’s desire for meaning and purpose in life.
Overall, “Dream Song 73: Karensui, Ryoan-ji” is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores the themes of identity, mortality, and the human condition. Berryman uses language and form to convey his message, and the poem is filled with rich symbolism and surreal imagery. The poem is a testament to Berryman’s skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.
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