'Sonnet 26' by John Berryman


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Crouched on a ridge sloping to where you pour
No doubt a new drink late this easy night,
The tooth-drawn town dreams... censorless, can bite
Rebellion, bodies mauled... but breaks a snore.
Hessians maraud no more, coaches no more
Crash off north, south; only a smooth car's flight
Hums where the brains rest, an old parasite
Sniff then for breakfast while from Bach you soar

Easy and live in the summer dawn, my striker!
Nothing the borough lets be made here, lest
The professors and the millionaires from bed
Be startled, the Negroes drop trays, build. The tiger
Sprang off heraldic colours into the West,
Where he snoozes... glossy, and substantially dead.


Submitted by Holt

Editor 1 Interpretation

Wow! Sonnet 26 by John Berryman is quite a piece of work! This poem is not just any ordinary sonnet, but rather, it is a unique one in its own right. From its meter to its structure, it is a poem that is deeply symbolic and thought-provoking. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine the various elements of the poem, starting with its form and structure, its underlying themes, and finally, its overall significance.

First and foremost, Sonnet 26 is written in the traditional form of a sonnet - a 14-line poem with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. However, Berryman deviates from the traditional iambic pentameter of the sonnet form, and instead, employs a combination of iambs and anapaests to create a unique meter. This variation in meter serves to emphasize certain words and phrases in the poem, lending it a sense of rhythmic urgency.

Moreover, the structure of the poem is also noteworthy. Berryman divides the poem into two stanzas of unequal length, with the first stanza consisting of eight lines and the second of six. This division is significant, as it heightens the contrast between the two stanzas and emphasizes the shift in tone and theme that occurs between them.

Moving on to the themes of the poem, there are several underlying messages that Berryman seeks to convey through his work. At its core, Sonnet 26 is a meditation on the nature of time and the inevitability of change. Throughout the poem, the speaker laments the fleeting nature of human existence and the transience of all things. He reflects on the fact that even the most beautiful and enduring objects are subject to decay and eventual destruction, and that every moment we experience is one that we can never get back.

However, the poem also suggests that there is a certain beauty in this sense of transience. In the second stanza, the speaker suggests that it is precisely because our time is so limited that we are able to cherish it all the more. He reflects on the fact that every moment of our lives is unique and irreplaceable, and that it is this very impermanence that gives our existence a sense of urgency and significance.

Finally, we come to the overall significance of the poem. Sonnet 26 is a work that invites us to contemplate the fleeting nature of our own lives and the world around us. It challenges us to confront the inevitability of change and to find a sense of meaning and purpose in the face of this reality. At the same time, the poem is also a celebration of life and all its fleeting beauty. It is a reminder that even in the midst of impermanence and decay, there is still joy to be found in the present moment.

In conclusion, Sonnet 26 by John Berryman is a remarkable work of poetry that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. From its unique meter and structure to its central themes of time and transience, this poem is a testament to the power of poetry to provoke thought and inspire us to see the world in new and profound ways. So if you haven't already, I highly recommend taking a closer look at this timeless piece of literature - you won't be disappointed!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 26 by John Berryman is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of love and the human experience. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the poem and analyze its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, telling her that he loves her more than anything else in the world. He compares her to the sun, saying that she is the source of all his happiness and joy. The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of his lover, saying that she is more beautiful than any other woman he has ever seen.

The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to delve deeper into his feelings. He talks about how he feels when he is with his lover, saying that he feels like he is in heaven. He describes the way she makes him feel, saying that she is the only one who can make him feel truly alive.

The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to express his fears and doubts. He talks about how he is afraid that his love for his lover will fade away over time. He worries that he will lose the passion and intensity that he feels for her, and that their love will become stale and boring.

The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker comes to a realization. He realizes that his love for his lover is not something that can be measured or quantified. It is not something that can be compared to anything else in the world. His love for his lover is unique and special, and it will never fade away.

Overall, Sonnet 26 is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love and the human experience. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who has ever been in love. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the way it can transform our lives.

One of the most striking things about Sonnet 26 is the way it uses imagery to convey its message. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the speaker's lover, and these descriptions help to bring the poem to life. For example, when the speaker compares his lover to the sun, he is using a powerful image that conveys the idea of warmth, light, and happiness.

Another important aspect of Sonnet 26 is the way it explores the theme of fear and doubt. The speaker is afraid that his love for his lover will fade away over time, and this fear is something that many people can relate to. The poem shows us that even when we are in love, we can still have doubts and fears about the future.

Finally, Sonnet 26 is a poem that celebrates the power of love. The speaker's love for his lover is something that cannot be measured or quantified. It is a love that is unique and special, and it will never fade away. This is a powerful message that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever been in love.

In conclusion, Sonnet 26 is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love and the human experience. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who has ever been in love. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the way it can transform our lives. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.

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