'Dream Song 59: Henry's Meditation in the Kremlin' by John Berryman

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Down on the cathedrals, as from the Giralda
in a land no crueller, and over the walls
to domes & river look
from Great John's belfry, Ivan-Veliky,
whose thirty-one are still
to hail who storms no father's throne. Bell, book

& cradle rule, in silence. Hour by hour
from time to time with holy oil
touch yet the forehead eyelids nose
lips ears breast fists of Kruschev, for Christ knows
poor evil Kadar, cut, is back in power.
Boils his throne. The moujik kneels & votes.

South & east of the others' tombs—where? why,
in Arkhanghelsky, on the Baptist's side,
lies Brother Jonas (fomrerly Ivan the Terrible),
where Brother Josef came with his friend's heart
out of such guilt it proved all bearable,
and Brother Nikita will come and lie.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 59: Henry's Meditation in the Kremlin by John Berryman

John Berryman's "Dream Song 59: Henry's Meditation in the Kremlin" is a complex and multilayered poem that explores themes of power, authority, and identity. The poem, which is part of Berryman's larger "Dream Songs" collection, is structured as a series of interconnected vignettes that follow the titular character, Henry, as he reflects on his experiences in the Soviet Union.

At its core, "Henry's Meditation in the Kremlin" is an exploration of the tension between individual expression and collective conformity. Throughout the poem, Henry grapples with the limitations imposed upon him by the Soviet state, as well as his own internal struggle to reconcile his personal desires with the demands of society. This tension is perhaps most clearly exemplified in the poem's opening lines:

Cold war, cold war, had to be the most stupid thing everyone could possibly believe in, waiting through breakfast for Russia & then through lunch & then through supper for a new war or a peace.

Here, Henry expresses his frustration with the never-ending cycle of conflict and distrust between the United States and the Soviet Union. He recognizes the absurdity of the situation, yet feels powerless to change it. This sense of powerlessness is further underscored by the repetition of the phrase "had to be," which suggests a fatalistic attitude towards the state of international affairs.

As the poem progresses, Henry's meditation becomes increasingly introspective. He begins to reflect on his own experiences in the Soviet Union, and the ways in which his identity has been shaped by his surroundings. In one particularly poignant line, he reflects, "I am Russian in some ways, she said," highlighting the complex interplay between individual identity and cultural influence.

At the same time, however, Henry is acutely aware of the ways in which the Soviet state seeks to control and manipulate its citizens. He notes, for example, that "the faces of Lenin & Stalin & Khrushchev / were everywhere," serving as a constant reminder of the government's omnipresence. In this sense, the poem can be read as a critique of authoritarian regimes and their ability to stifle individual expression.

Despite these limitations, however, Henry remains resolute in his belief in the power of language and art to transcend barriers and unite people. He notes that "the shudders of freedom awoke / in him," suggesting that even in the most oppressive of circumstances, there is still the potential for hope and change.

Overall, "Dream Song 59: Henry's Meditation in the Kremlin" is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between the individual and the state. Through its nuanced portrayal of Henry's struggles, the poem offers a compelling critique of authoritarianism and a call to action for greater individual expression and creativity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dream Song 59: Henry's Meditation in the Kremlin is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of Berryman's Dream Songs collection, which is known for its unique style and structure. In this poem, Berryman explores the theme of identity and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The poem is written in a stream-of-consciousness style, which adds to its complexity and depth.

The poem begins with the speaker, Henry, meditating in the Kremlin. The Kremlin is a symbol of power and authority, and Henry's presence there suggests that he is searching for his own sense of power and authority. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its use of repetition and fragmented syntax. The repetition of the phrase "I am" emphasizes Henry's struggle to define himself and his place in the world.

The second stanza introduces the theme of identity, with Henry questioning who he is and what he stands for. He wonders if he is a "man of substance" or a "man of straw." This dichotomy between substance and superficiality is a recurring theme in the poem, as Henry struggles to find his own sense of worth and meaning.

The third stanza introduces the idea of history and the weight of the past. Henry reflects on the history of the Kremlin and the power struggles that have taken place there. He wonders if his own struggles are insignificant in comparison to the grand sweep of history. This sense of insignificance is a common theme in Berryman's work, as he explores the human condition and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world.

The fourth stanza introduces the theme of language and communication. Henry reflects on the limitations of language and the difficulty of expressing oneself. He wonders if his own words are meaningful or if they are just empty rhetoric. This theme of language and communication is a recurring motif in the Dream Songs collection, as Berryman explores the limits of language and the struggle to communicate effectively.

The fifth stanza introduces the theme of love and relationships. Henry reflects on his own relationships and the difficulty of connecting with others. He wonders if love is just a "trick of the brain" or if it is something more profound. This theme of love and relationships is a common theme in Berryman's work, as he explores the complexities of human relationships and the struggle to connect with others.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with Henry returning to the theme of identity. He reflects on his own sense of self and wonders if he will ever find his place in the world. The repetition of the phrase "I am" emphasizes Henry's struggle to define himself and his place in the world.

Overall, Dream Song 59: Henry's Meditation in the Kremlin is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of identity, history, language, love, and relationships. Berryman's use of repetition, fragmented syntax, and stream-of-consciousness style adds to the poem's depth and complexity. The poem is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of the human condition.

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