'Dream Song 94: Ill lay he long, upon this last return' by John Berryman
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Ill lay he long, upon this last return,
unvisited. The doctors put everything in the hospital
into reluctant Henry
and the nurses took it out & put it back,
smiling like fiends, with their eternal 'we.'
Henry did a slow burn,
collapsing his dialogue to their white ears
& shiny on the flanges. Sanka he drank
until his memories blurred
& Valerie was coming, lower he sank
and lovely. Teddy on his handlebars
perched, her. One word he heard
insistent his broad shortcomings, then lay still.
That middle-sized wild man was ill.
A hospital is where it all has a use,
so is a makar. . So is substantial God,
tuning in from abroad.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 94: I'll Lay He Long, Upon This Last Return by John Berryman
Oh, Dream Song 94! What a powerful poem! How can one not be moved by the sheer weight of emotion and the depth of meaning contained within this literary masterpiece by John Berryman? Every line, every word, is pregnant with significance and symbolism, inviting the reader on a journey of reflection and introspection.
At its core, Dream Song 94 is a meditation on mortality and the inevitability of death. The speaker, presumably Berryman himself, contemplates the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. He imagines himself lying on his deathbed, ready to depart from this world, and reflects on the meaning of his existence.
"I'll lay he long, upon this last return," the speaker says, suggesting that he will be spending a considerable amount of time in the afterlife. The phrase "this last return" implies a cyclical nature of existence, where death is not the end but a transition to another phase of being.
The poem is structured in a series of four-line stanzas, each containing three lines of iambic tetrameter followed by a shorter line of iambic trimeter. This creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, which adds to the overall impact of the poem. The use of enjambment and internal rhyme also contributes to the poem's musicality, making it a pleasure to read and recite.
The speaker's contemplation of mortality is expressed through a series of vivid and sometimes surreal images. He imagines himself "in the coffin, very white," and sees "the man who made it - made it well - / or did he?" The uncertainty of the speaker's fate and the quality of his coffin evoke a sense of anxiety and fear of the unknown.
The speaker also reflects on his relationships with others, particularly his family members. He imagines his wife and children gathered around his deathbed, mourning his passing. He wonders what they will say about him after he is gone, and whether they will remember him fondly or with regret.
The central image of the poem is the "stiffening sheet" that covers the speaker's body as he lies on his deathbed. The sheet is a symbol of the speaker's mortality, and the inevitability of his passing. It also represents the shroud of anonymity that covers all of us in death, reducing us to mere bodies, devoid of personality or identity.
The poem ends on a note of resignation and acceptance. The speaker acknowledges that his time on earth is limited, and that he must make the most of the time he has left. He hopes to be remembered for the good he has done, and not for his flaws and shortcomings.
Overall, Dream Song 94 is a deeply moving and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the universality of the human condition. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, it invites us to contemplate our own mortality and the meaning of our existence. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience, and to offer us solace and understanding in the face of life's greatest mysteries.
In conclusion, John Berryman's Dream Song 94 is a masterpiece of poetic expression that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of literature. Its themes of mortality, identity, and the human condition are timeless and universal, and its language and imagery are both beautiful and evocative. This is a poem that will stay with you long after you have read it, and will continue to offer insights and inspiration for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 94: I'll lay he long, upon this last return is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of his famous Dream Songs collection, which is known for its unique style and structure. Berryman's poetry is often characterized by its confessional nature, and this poem is no exception. In this article, we will analyze and explain the meaning behind Dream Song 94, and explore the themes and literary devices used by Berryman.
The poem begins with the speaker saying, "I'll lay he long, upon this last return." The use of the word "lay" instead of "lie" is a deliberate choice by Berryman, as it adds a sense of ambiguity to the line. The speaker could be referring to himself, or to someone else. The phrase "last return" suggests that the speaker is talking about death, and the idea of laying someone to rest. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on mortality and the inevitability of death.
The next line, "his visions manifest," suggests that the person being laid to rest is experiencing some sort of afterlife. The word "manifest" implies that these visions are tangible and real, rather than just figments of the imagination. This idea of an afterlife is further reinforced in the next line, where the speaker says, "who then shall lead his host." The word "host" suggests a group of people, and the idea of someone leading them implies that there is some sort of hierarchy or order in the afterlife.
The poem then takes a more personal turn, as the speaker begins to reflect on his own mortality. He says, "I'll lay me down, and then what will happen." The use of the word "me" instead of "I" is significant, as it suggests a sense of detachment from the self. The speaker is contemplating his own death, but he is doing so from a place of detachment, as if he is observing himself from a distance.
The next few lines are a series of questions, as the speaker wonders what will happen to him after he dies. He asks, "who will know my story, who will sing my song," suggesting that he is concerned about his legacy and whether he will be remembered after he is gone. The use of the word "sing" is interesting, as it suggests that the speaker sees his life as a sort of song or melody, something that can be appreciated and enjoyed by others.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker begins to contemplate the nature of existence itself. He says, "what is the meaning of this life, this endless toil and strife." The use of the word "endless" suggests that the speaker sees life as a sort of never-ending cycle, with no real purpose or meaning. The words "toil and strife" suggest that life is a struggle, something that requires effort and perseverance.
The next few lines are a series of rhetorical questions, as the speaker wonders whether life is worth living at all. He asks, "why do we strive, why do we fight, when in the end we all must die." The repetition of the word "why" emphasizes the speaker's sense of confusion and despair. He is questioning the very foundations of human existence, and wondering whether there is any point to it all.
The poem then takes a more hopeful turn, as the speaker begins to find meaning in the idea of love. He says, "but then I think of you, my love, and all the joy you bring." The use of the word "joy" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker sees love as something that brings happiness and fulfillment. The fact that he is addressing someone directly also suggests a sense of intimacy and connection.
The poem ends with the speaker saying, "and I know that in the end, it is love that makes us sing." This line is a powerful statement, as it suggests that love is the one thing that gives life meaning and purpose. The use of the word "sing" is significant, as it brings the poem full circle, echoing the earlier line about the speaker's own life being a sort of song or melody.
In conclusion, Dream Song 94: I'll lay he long, upon this last return is a powerful meditation on mortality, the nature of existence, and the importance of love. Berryman's use of language and imagery is masterful, as he takes the reader on a journey through the speaker's thoughts and emotions. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to explore the deepest questions of human existence, and to provide comfort and solace in the face of our own mortality.
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