'Dream Song 36: The high ones die, die. They die' by John Berryman

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The high ones die, die. They die. You look up and who's there?
—Easy, easy, Mr Bones. I is on your side.
I smell your grief.
—I sent my grief away. I cannot care
forever. With them all align & again I died
and cried, and I have to live.

—Now there you exaggerate, Sah. We hafta die.
That is our 'pointed task. Love & die.
—Yes; that makes sense.
But what makes sense between, then? What if I
roiling & babbling & braining, brood on why and
just sat on the fence?

—I doubts you did or do. De choice is lost.
—It's fool's gold. But I go in for that.
The boy & the bear
looked at each other. Man all is tossed
& lost with groin-wounds by the grand bulls, cat.
William Falukner's where?

(Frost being still around.)

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 36: The high ones die, die. They die by John Berryman

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this poem? Dream Song 36: The high ones die, die. They die by John Berryman is a powerful and moving piece of poetry that delves deep into the themes of mortality and loss. Throughout the poem, Berryman explores the idea of death and how it affects us all, especially those who are considered to be the "high ones" of society.

At its core, Dream Song 36 is a reflection on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. Berryman uses the repetition of the phrase "the high ones die, die" to create a sense of foreboding and finality. This repetition serves as a reminder that death is an inescapable part of life, and that even those who seem above it all are not immune to its grasp.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with a varying number of lines. The first stanza opens with the lines "A shrug from the shrubbery / behind meobelisks / forthrightness eluded me" which sets a somber tone for the rest of the poem. The shrug from the shrubbery acts as a metaphor for the indifference of nature to the passing of life. The obelisks, on the other hand, represent the permanence of death and the lasting impact it has on the world.

In the second stanza, Berryman introduces the "high ones" who are "dying like flies." The image of the high ones dying like flies is a powerful one, as it serves to strip away their sense of importance and invincibility. The use of the word "flies" is also significant, as it implies that these high ones are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Despite their perceived importance in life, they are ultimately subject to the same fate as everyone else.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Berryman writes, "the dying is awkward, the rising illimitable." This line serves as a reminder that while death may be awkward and uncomfortable, it is also a gateway to something greater. The use of the word "illimitable" is significant, as it implies that death is not an end, but rather a beginning.

Overall, Dream Song 36: The high ones die, die. They die is a powerful and moving reflection on the themes of mortality and loss. Through the use of powerful imagery and repetition, Berryman is able to capture the essence of death and its impact on society. This poem is a must-read for anyone who has ever contemplated the meaning of life and the inevitability of death.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dream Song 36: The high ones die, die. They die, written by John Berryman, is a classic poem that explores the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. The poem is a part of Berryman's Dream Songs collection, which is known for its complex and surreal imagery, as well as its exploration of the human condition.

The poem begins with the line "The high ones die, die. They die," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The repetition of the phrase "die, die" emphasizes the finality of death and the fact that it is an inevitable part of life. The use of the word "high" suggests that the people who are dying are important or influential in some way, which adds to the sense of loss and sadness that permeates the poem.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the image of a "great bird," which is described as "blackening the sky." This image is both ominous and powerful, suggesting that death is a force that cannot be ignored or avoided. The use of the word "great" emphasizes the magnitude of death and its impact on the world.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the image of a "great man," who is described as "falling." This image is particularly poignant, as it suggests that even those who are powerful and influential are not immune to the ravages of time and the inevitability of death. The use of the word "falling" suggests that the man is not simply dying, but is also losing his power and influence.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the image of a "great woman," who is described as "weeping." This image is particularly powerful, as it suggests that even those who are strong and independent are not immune to the pain and sadness that comes with death. The use of the word "weeping" emphasizes the emotional impact of death and the fact that it affects not only the person who is dying, but also those who are left behind.

The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the image of a "great child," who is described as "crying." This image is particularly poignant, as it suggests that even the young and innocent are not immune to the pain and sadness that comes with death. The use of the word "crying" emphasizes the emotional impact of death and the fact that it affects everyone, regardless of age or experience.

The final stanza of the poem brings together all of the images and themes that have been introduced throughout the poem. The repetition of the phrase "they die" emphasizes the finality of death and the fact that it is an inevitable part of life. The use of the word "they" suggests that death is not limited to any one group of people, but is something that affects everyone.

Overall, Dream Song 36: The high ones die, die. They die is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. Through its use of complex imagery and repetition, the poem emphasizes the emotional impact of death and the fact that it affects everyone, regardless of age or experience.

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