'Dream Song 63: Bats have no bankers and they do not drink' by John Berryman
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Bats 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 bats,
known to be so, by few them who think,
out of the cave.
Instead of the cave! ah lovely-chilly, dark,
ur-moist his cousins hang in hundreds or swerve
with personal radar,
crisisless, kid. Instead of the cave? I serve,
inside, my blind term. Filthy four-foot lights
reflect on the whites of our eyes.
He then salutes for sixty years of it
just now a one of valor and insights,
a theatrical man,
O scholar & Legionnaire who as quickly might
have killed as cast you. Olè. Stormed with years
he tranquil commands and appears.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 63: Bats have no bankers and they do not drink
John Berryman's Dream Song 63 is a complex and intriguing poem that explores themes of identity, mortality, and the nature of existence. Written in the form of a dream narrative, the poem is a meditation on the fragility of human life and the struggle to find meaning in a world where everything is ephemeral and transient.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple description of a bat flying through the night sky. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the bat is a metaphor for the speaker's own sense of self and his struggle to come to terms with his mortality.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the bat in flight, a creature that is both mysterious and elusive. The bat is described as "tiny" and "black" and "uncommonly swift," darting through the night sky with a sense of purpose and grace. The bat is also described as "petrified," suggesting that it is both fearless and vulnerable at the same time.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's focus shifts from the bat to his own sense of self. He begins to question his own identity and wonders if he is like the bat, flying through life without a clear sense of purpose or direction. He asks himself, "What am I now, that I was not before?" suggesting that he is struggling to come to terms with the fact that he is growing older and that his sense of self is changing.
The speaker also reflects on the nature of existence itself, questioning whether life has any inherent meaning or purpose. He asks, "What is the meaning, if any, in blades of grass?" suggesting that even the most seemingly insignificant things in life may hold deeper significance if looked at from the right perspective.
Throughout the poem, the speaker's tone is both reflective and melancholic, as he grapples with the inevitability of his own mortality. He describes himself as a "skeleton," suggesting that he is acutely aware of the fragility of his own body and the impermanence of life itself.
The poem also contains several references to religion and spirituality, suggesting that the speaker is searching for a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life. He asks, "where is the God who sees me?" suggesting that he is struggling to find a sense of connection to a higher power.
Overall, Dream Song 63 is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that is ultimately fleeting and transient. Through its use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language, the poem captures the essence of the human experience and reminds us of the importance of living each moment to the fullest.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 63: Bats have no bankers and they do not drink - a classic poem by John Berryman - is a masterpiece that delves deep into the human psyche and the complexities of life. The poem is a part of Berryman's Dream Songs collection, which is known for its surrealistic and confessional style. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line "Bats have no bankers and they do not drink," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is comparing bats - nocturnal creatures that are often associated with darkness and mystery - to humans, who are known for their vices and greed. The line is a commentary on the nature of humanity and how we are often consumed by our desires and material possessions.
The second line of the poem, "and cannot be arrested and pay no tax," further emphasizes the contrast between bats and humans. While humans are bound by laws and regulations, bats are free to roam and do as they please. The line also suggests that humans are burdened by their responsibilities and obligations, while bats are carefree and unencumbered.
The third line of the poem, "alas," is a sigh of resignation and regret. The speaker seems to be lamenting the fact that humans are not like bats - free from the constraints of society and the burdens of life. The line suggests that the speaker longs for a simpler, more carefree existence.
The fourth line of the poem, "however, they hunt through the dark," is a reminder that bats are not without their own struggles and challenges. While they may be free from the burdens of society, they still have to hunt for their food and survive in a harsh environment. The line suggests that even in the absence of material possessions and societal obligations, life is still difficult and challenging.
The fifth line of the poem, "oh, pity the bat, pity the bat," is a plea for empathy and understanding. The speaker seems to be urging the reader to see the world from the perspective of the bat - to understand the struggles and challenges that they face. The line suggests that empathy and compassion are important qualities that are often lacking in human society.
The sixth line of the poem, "the hungrier they are, the harder they work," is a commentary on the nature of motivation and drive. The line suggests that when we are driven by our basic needs and desires, we are capable of great feats of strength and endurance. The line also suggests that humans could learn from the example of bats - to work hard and be motivated by our basic needs rather than our material desires.
The seventh line of the poem, "the thirstier they are, the sounder they sleep," is a reminder that rest and relaxation are important for our well-being. The line suggests that when we are driven by our basic needs, we are able to find peace and contentment in the simple things in life. The line also suggests that humans could learn from the example of bats - to find contentment in the simple pleasures of life rather than constantly striving for more.
The eighth line of the poem, "bats have no bankers and they do not drink," is a repetition of the opening line. The repetition serves to reinforce the contrast between bats and humans and to emphasize the central theme of the poem - that humans are consumed by their desires and material possessions, while bats are free from these burdens.
The ninth line of the poem, "and cannot be arrested and pay no tax," is a repetition of the second line. The repetition serves to reinforce the contrast between bats and humans and to emphasize the central theme of the poem - that humans are bound by laws and regulations, while bats are free to roam and do as they please.
The tenth line of the poem, "however, they live very long," is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of the time that we have. The line suggests that even in the absence of material possessions and societal obligations, life is still precious and should be cherished.
The eleventh line of the poem, "and are not ill-tempered like man," is a commentary on the nature of human behavior. The line suggests that humans are often ill-tempered and prone to anger and aggression, while bats are peaceful and content. The line also suggests that humans could learn from the example of bats - to be more peaceful and content in our lives.
The twelfth line of the poem, "and, most remarkable, they mate but once a year," is a reminder that life is about more than just material possessions and societal obligations. The line suggests that love and companionship are important aspects of life that should be cherished and celebrated.
The thirteenth line of the poem, "however, they do fly very high," is a reminder that even in the absence of material possessions and societal obligations, we are capable of great feats of strength and endurance. The line suggests that humans could learn from the example of bats - to push ourselves to our limits and achieve great things.
The final line of the poem, "and quite by accident they kill themselves," is a reminder that life is fragile and that we should cherish every moment that we have. The line suggests that even in the absence of material possessions and societal obligations, life is still precious and should be cherished.
In conclusion, Dream Song 63: Bats have no bankers and they do not drink is a masterpiece that delves deep into the human psyche and the complexities of life. The poem is a commentary on the nature of humanity and how we are often consumed by our desires and material possessions. The poem uses symbolism, repetition, and literary devices to emphasize its central themes and to urge the reader to see the world from a different perspective. The poem is a reminder that life is about more than just material possessions and societal obligations - that love, companionship, and empathy are important aspects of life that should be cherished and celebrated.
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