'Dream Song 63: Bats have no bankers and they do not drink' by John Berryman

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77 Dream Songs1964Bats have no bankers and they do not drink
and cannot be arrested and pay no tax
and, in general, bats have it made.
Henry for joining the human race is

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 63: Bats have no bankers and they do not drink

Dream Song 63 is one of the most anthologized poems of the American poet John Berryman. The poem is a part of a sequence of 385 Dream Songs that Berryman wrote between 1955 and 1964. In this poem, Berryman uses a conversational tone and employs a dream-like imagery to explore the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the desire for connection.

Summary

The poem begins with the speaker imagining a scene where bats are flying around in the night sky. The speaker then contrasts the bats' freedom to his own loneliness, saying that while the bats have no bankers or friends, they are still able to enjoy their freedom. The speaker then imagines a scenario where he is able to communicate with the bats and asks them if they are happy. The bats respond by saying that they are content with their life, but the speaker is not convinced.

The poem then shifts to the speaker's own life, where he is plagued by the feeling of isolation and the desire for connection. The speaker longs for someone to talk to, but he cannot find anyone who is willing to listen. The speaker then imagines a scenario where he is able to communicate with a woman he desires, but the conversation quickly turns sour, and the woman leaves.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on his loneliness and isolation, saying that he will continue to seek connection despite the difficulties.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman's "Dream Song 63: Bats have no bankers and they do not drink" is a complex and intriguing poem that explores themes of mortality, identity, and the human condition. Through its use of vivid imagery, intricate wordplay, and a unique narrative structure, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.

At its core, "Dream Song 63" is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The poem opens with the speaker observing a group of bats flying overhead, and he muses on the fact that these creatures do not have the same concerns as humans. They do not worry about money or indulge in vices like drinking, but instead simply exist in the moment, living their lives without any sense of purpose or direction.

This contrast between the bats and humans serves as a metaphor for the larger themes of the poem. The speaker is grappling with his own mortality and the realization that, like the bats, he too will one day cease to exist. He wonders what the point of it all is, and whether there is any meaning to be found in life.

Throughout the poem, Berryman employs a variety of literary techniques to convey these themes. One of the most striking is his use of imagery, which is both vivid and unsettling. The bats are described as "black little balls" that "whirl and spin," creating a sense of chaos and confusion. The speaker also describes the bats as "a kind of fluttering," which suggests a lack of control or purpose.

This sense of chaos is further emphasized by the poem's unique narrative structure. Rather than following a traditional linear narrative, "Dream Song 63" is composed of a series of fragmented images and thoughts that are loosely connected. This creates a sense of disorientation and confusion, mirroring the speaker's own sense of existential angst.

Another key element of the poem is its use of wordplay and puns. Berryman was known for his love of language, and "Dream Song 63" is no exception. The title itself is a pun, playing on the phrase "bats in the belfry" to suggest a sense of madness or confusion. Throughout the poem, the speaker plays with words and phrases, using them to create new meanings and associations.

For example, he describes the bats as "a kind of winged mouse," which plays on the similarity between the words "winged" and "winded." This creates a sense of breathlessness and urgency, as if the speaker is struggling to catch his breath in the face of his own mortality.

Overall, "Dream Song 63: Bats have no bankers and they do not drink" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. Through its use of vivid imagery, intricate wordplay, and a unique narrative structure, the poem explores themes of mortality, identity, and the human condition in a way that is both unsettling and deeply moving. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a new perspective on life, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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