'Dream Song 103: I consider a song will be as humming-bird' by John Berryman
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I consider a song will be as humming-bird
swift, down-light, missile-metal-hard, & strange
as the world of anti-matter
where they are wondering: does time run backward—
which the poet thought was true; Scarlatti-supple;
but can Henry write it?
Wreckt, in deep danger, he shook once his head,
returning to meditation. And word had sped
all from the farthest West
that Henry was desired: can he get free
of the hanging menace, & this all, and go?
He doesn't think so.
Therefore he shakes and he will sing no more,
much less a song as fast as said, as light,
so deep, so flexing. He broods.
He may, rehearsing, here of his bad year
at the very end, in squalor, ill, outside.
—Happy New Year, Mr Bones.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 103: I consider a song will be as humming-bird by John Berryman
Oh, what a magnificent piece of literature we have in Dream Song 103! John Berryman's poem is nothing short of a masterpiece, and with every line, he takes us on a journey that is both haunting and beautiful. The poem is a meditation on the nature of creation, and Berryman uses imagery from the natural world to explore this theme. In this literary criticism, I will explore the various literary devices that Berryman uses to create such a powerful expression of his ideas.
Summary
The poem opens with the speaker contemplating the creation of a song. He is struck by the idea that a song, like a humming-bird, should be light and delicate, yet powerful enough to lift our spirits. He imagines the song as a "flame-winged bird" that will "quicken to caress the heart." The speaker then goes on to explore the idea of creation, comparing it to the birth of a child. He wonders if he has the creative power to bring forth this song, or if it will be something that comes to him naturally.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's thoughts become more abstract, and he begins to contemplate the nature of existence itself. He wonders if life is just a collection of moments, or if there is some greater purpose to our existence. He considers the possibility that death is just a continuation of life, and that we are all connected in some way beyond our understanding.
Finally, the poem ends with the speaker meditating on the beauty of the natural world. He marvels at the intricacy of the humming-bird's wings and the way they catch the light. He sees in this tiny bird a reflection of the beauty and wonder of the universe.
Literary Devices
Throughout the poem, Berryman uses a variety of literary devices to convey his ideas. One of the most notable is his use of imagery. The image of the humming-bird is central to the poem, and Berryman uses it to great effect. The bird is a symbol of lightness and delicacy, yet it is also powerful and vibrant. This duality is mirrored in the speaker's vision of the song he hopes to create. He wants it to be light and delicate, yet powerful enough to touch the heart.
Berryman also uses metaphor to great effect in the poem. The comparison of the song to a humming-bird is just one example. He also compares creation to the birth of a child, and life to a collection of moments. These metaphors add depth and richness to the poem, and help to convey the speaker's ideas in a more tangible way.
Another important literary device that Berryman uses is repetition. Throughout the poem, he repeats phrases and images, creating a sense of rhythm and structure. For example, he repeats the phrase "I consider" several times, emphasizing the speaker's contemplative state of mind. He also repeats the image of the humming-bird, reminding us of its significance to the poem's themes.
Interpretation
So, what does Dream Song 103 have to say about the nature of creation, life, and existence? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the beauty and wonder of the world around us. Berryman uses the image of the humming-bird to represent this beauty, and the act of creation to represent our own attempts to capture it.
The speaker's contemplation of the song he hopes to create is a reflection of our own struggles to create something beautiful in the world. Whether we are artists, writers, musicians, or simply people trying to live our lives, we all have a desire to create something that will touch the hearts of others. Berryman's poem encourages us to embrace this desire, to strive for something greater than ourselves.
The poem also invites us to contemplate the nature of existence itself. The speaker's musings on life, death, and the interconnectedness of all things suggest a belief in something greater than ourselves. Whether this belief is in a higher power, the universe, or simply the beauty of the natural world, the poem encourages us to look beyond ourselves and appreciate the wonder of existence.
Finally, the poem is a celebration of the beauty of the natural world. Berryman's vivid descriptions of the humming-bird's wings and the way they catch the light remind us of the incredible intricacy and complexity of the world around us. The poem invites us to take a moment to appreciate this beauty, to marvel at the wonders of the universe.
Conclusion
Dream Song 103 is a truly remarkable poem, full of rich imagery and thought-provoking ideas. Berryman's use of metaphor, imagery, and repetition create a powerful sense of rhythm and structure, and his exploration of the nature of creation, life, and existence is both haunting and beautiful. The poem is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and an encouragement to embrace our own creative impulses and strive for something greater than ourselves.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 103: I consider a song will be as humming-bird is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of the Dream Songs collection, which is considered to be one of the most important works of American poetry in the 20th century. In this poem, Berryman explores the theme of creativity and the process of writing a song. The poem is written in a unique style, which is both complex and beautiful. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem begins with the speaker considering the idea of a song being like a humming-bird. The humming-bird is a symbol of beauty, grace, and agility. It is a bird that is known for its ability to hover in mid-air and move quickly from one place to another. The speaker is suggesting that a song should be like a humming-bird, in that it should be beautiful, graceful, and agile. The humming-bird is also a symbol of freedom and independence, which is another important theme in the poem.
The second stanza of the poem begins with the speaker describing the process of writing a song. He talks about how the song must be written in a way that captures the essence of the humming-bird. The song must be light and airy, like the humming-bird's wings. It must be able to move quickly and effortlessly, like the humming-bird in flight. The speaker is suggesting that the process of writing a song is a delicate and intricate process, much like the movements of a humming-bird.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the theme of freedom and independence. He talks about how the humming-bird is a symbol of freedom, and how the song must be written in a way that captures this sense of freedom. The song must be able to soar and fly, like the humming-bird in flight. The speaker is suggesting that the process of writing a song is not just about capturing the beauty and grace of the humming-bird, but also about capturing its sense of freedom and independence.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the theme of creativity. He talks about how the process of writing a song is a creative process, and how it requires a certain level of skill and talent. The speaker is suggesting that the process of writing a song is not just about capturing the beauty and grace of the humming-bird, but also about using one's creativity and imagination to create something truly unique and beautiful.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the theme of mortality. He talks about how the humming-bird is a symbol of life and vitality, but also of death and decay. The speaker is suggesting that the process of writing a song is not just about capturing the beauty and grace of the humming-bird, but also about acknowledging the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker brings all of these themes together. He talks about how the song must be written in a way that captures the beauty, grace, freedom, creativity, and mortality of the humming-bird. The speaker is suggesting that the process of writing a song is a complex and intricate process, much like the movements of a humming-bird. He is also suggesting that the process of writing a song is a deeply personal and emotional process, one that requires a certain level of skill, talent, and dedication.
In conclusion, Dream Song 103: I consider a song will be as humming-bird is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the themes of creativity, freedom, independence, and mortality. The poem is written in a unique style, which is both complex and beautiful. The speaker uses the symbol of the humming-bird to explore the process of writing a song, and to capture the essence of what it means to be a creative and talented artist. This poem is a true masterpiece of American poetry, and it will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
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