'Dream Song 131: Come touch me baby in his waking dream' by John Berryman
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Come touch me baby in his waking dream
disordered Henry murmured. I'll read you Hegel
and that will hurt your mind
I can't remember when you were unkind
but I will clear that block, I'll set you on fire
along with our babies
to save them up the high & ruined stairs,
my growing daughters. I am insane, I think,
they say & act so.
But then they let me out, and I must save them,
High fires will help, at this time, in my affairs.
I am insane, I know
and many of my close friends were half-sane
I see the rorschach for the dead on its way
Prop them up!
Trade us a lesson, pour me down a sink
I swear I'll love her always, like a drink
Let pass from me this cup
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 131: Come touch me baby in his waking dream by John Berryman
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this poem? Dream Song 131: Come touch me baby in his waking dream by John Berryman is a masterful piece of literature that manages to capture the essence of human desire and longing in a way that is both visceral and haunting. This poem is a prime example of Berryman's unique style, which blends the confessional with the surreal to create something truly unforgettable.
The Poet and the Poem
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand a bit about the poet, John Berryman. Born in Oklahoma in 1914, Berryman was a complicated figure who struggled with alcoholism and depression throughout his life. He was also a gifted poet who was known for his innovative use of language and his willingness to explore taboo subjects in his work.
Dream Song 131 is a part of Berryman's Dream Songs, a collection of 385 poems that he wrote between 1955 and 1967. The Dream Songs are known for their confessional nature and their use of a persona named Henry, who is loosely based on Berryman himself.
The Dream Song 131: Come touch me baby in his waking dream
Come touch me baby in his waking dream is a poem that is both deeply personal and universal in its themes. The poem begins with Henry dreaming of a woman who he desires but who is out of reach. He longs for her touch and imagines that he can feel her presence in his dream.
The language that Berryman uses to describe this dream is both sensual and surreal. He writes, "I dream of you walking at night along the / streams of the country of my birth, warm / blooms and the nightsongs of birds opening around you." The imagery here is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a landscape that is both beautiful and mysterious.
As the poem progresses, Henry becomes more and more desperate for the woman's touch. He pleads with her to come to him, saying, "Come to me, come to me tonight / my wretchedness." The word "wretchedness" here is particularly powerful, as it suggests that Henry is in a state of deep emotional pain that only this woman can alleviate.
The Complexity of Desire
What I find most compelling about Dream Song 131 is the way that it explores the complexity of human desire. Berryman does not shy away from the darker aspects of desire, such as longing for something that is unattainable or the pain that comes from wanting something so badly.
At the same time, Berryman also captures the beauty and intensity of desire. He writes, "the night air is exquisite" and "the stars all out" in a way that suggests that there is something transcendent about the experience of longing for someone.
The Role of the Persona
As I mentioned earlier, the Dream Songs are known for their use of a persona named Henry. Henry is a complex figure who is both similar to and different from Berryman himself. While Henry shares many of Berryman's struggles and desires, he is also a fictional character who allows Berryman to explore certain themes and ideas in a more abstract way.
In Dream Song 131, Henry serves as a conduit for Berryman's exploration of desire. By using a persona, Berryman is able to convey the intensity of his own desires while also exploring the universality of human longing.
The Role of Language
One of the things that makes Dream Song 131 so powerful is the way that Berryman uses language to convey emotion. His choice of words is both precise and evocative, painting a vivid picture of Henry's dream and his longing for this woman.
Berryman also uses repetition to great effect in this poem. The phrase "Come touch me baby" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of urgency and desperation that is palpable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dream Song 131: Come touch me baby in his waking dream is a remarkable poem that explores the complexity of human desire in a way that is both raw and beautiful. Through his use of language and persona, Berryman is able to capture the intensity of his own desires while also conveying the universal nature of longing.
This poem is a testament to Berryman's skills as a poet, and it stands as a powerful reminder of the ways in which language can be used to explore the depths of the human experience. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply someone who is interested in exploring the complexities of desire, Dream Song 131 is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 131: Come touch me baby in his waking dream is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of his Dream Songs collection, which is known for its unique style and structure. The Dream Songs are a series of poems that explore the psyche of the speaker, Henry, who is a semi-autobiographical character based on Berryman himself. In this article, we will analyze and explain Dream Song 131, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker, Henry, addressing a woman, asking her to come and touch him. He is in a state of half-sleep, half-wakefulness, and he wants the woman to be with him in his dream. The first line of the poem, "Come touch me baby in his waking dream," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "baby" is significant, as it suggests a sense of vulnerability and dependence on the part of the speaker. He is reaching out to the woman, asking her to comfort him and be with him in his dream.
The second line of the poem, "Come touch me baby in his waking dream, / Disordered Henry murmured." introduces the character of Henry. The use of the word "disordered" suggests that Henry is not in a stable mental state. He is murmuring, which implies that he is not fully conscious. This line sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the psyche of Henry.
The third line of the poem, "How can you say that I am dead?" is a significant line that introduces one of the main themes of the poem. The speaker is questioning the woman's perception of him. He is asking her how she can say that he is dead when he is still alive in his dream. This line suggests that the speaker is struggling with his own identity and sense of self. He is questioning whether he is truly alive or dead.
The fourth line of the poem, "I am not dead, but in the kingdom of sleep," reinforces the theme of identity and self. The speaker is stating that he is not dead, but he is in a different state of being. He is in the "kingdom of sleep," which suggests that he is in a different realm or dimension. This line also introduces the idea of the dream world, which is a recurring theme in the Dream Songs.
The fifth line of the poem, "The carriages of darkness race and churn," introduces a sense of chaos and confusion. The use of the word "carriages" suggests movement, but the darkness and the racing and churning create a sense of disorientation. This line reinforces the idea that the speaker is in a state of half-sleep, half-wakefulness, and that he is struggling to make sense of his surroundings.
The sixth line of the poem, "The horses sleep and the giant trees burn," is a powerful image that reinforces the theme of chaos and confusion. The use of the word "giant" suggests that the trees are overwhelming and imposing. The fact that they are burning creates a sense of destruction and danger. The horses sleeping reinforces the idea that the speaker is in a different realm or dimension, where even the laws of nature are different.
The seventh line of the poem, "The moon blooms, but the night is not for us," introduces a sense of longing and desire. The moon is a symbol of beauty and romance, but the fact that the night is not for the speaker and the woman suggests that they are not meant to be together. This line reinforces the idea that the speaker is struggling with his own identity and sense of self, and that he is searching for a connection with someone else.
The eighth line of the poem, "The night is not for us, but for the dead," introduces the theme of death. The speaker is suggesting that the night is meant for the dead, which reinforces the idea that he is struggling with his own identity and sense of self. He is questioning whether he is truly alive or dead, and whether he belongs in the realm of the living or the dead.
The ninth line of the poem, "The dead who dance like shadows on the wall," is a powerful image that reinforces the theme of death. The dead are dancing like shadows on the wall, which suggests that they are not fully present or alive. This line also reinforces the idea that the speaker is struggling with his own identity and sense of self, and that he is searching for a connection with someone else.
The tenth and final line of the poem, "Come touch me baby in his waking dream," is a repetition of the first line of the poem. This repetition reinforces the theme of longing and desire. The speaker is asking the woman to come and touch him, to be with him in his dream. This line also reinforces the idea that the speaker is struggling with his own identity and sense of self, and that he is searching for a connection with someone else.
In terms of structure, Dream Song 131 is a free verse poem that consists of ten lines. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter, which reinforces the theme of chaos and confusion. The use of repetition, particularly in the first and last lines of the poem, creates a sense of longing and desire. The poem is also characterized by its use of powerful imagery, which reinforces the themes of death, chaos, and confusion.
In terms of literary devices, Dream Song 131 makes use of several techniques. The use of repetition, particularly in the first and last lines of the poem, creates a sense of longing and desire. The use of imagery, particularly in the sixth and ninth lines of the poem, reinforces the themes of death, chaos, and confusion. The use of metaphor, particularly in the third and fourth lines of the poem, reinforces the theme of identity and self.
In conclusion, Dream Song 131: Come touch me baby in his waking dream is a powerful poem that explores the psyche of the speaker, Henry. The poem is characterized by its use of powerful imagery, repetition, and metaphor, which reinforce the themes of identity, self, longing, and desire. The poem is also characterized by its free verse structure, which reinforces the theme of chaos and confusion. Overall, Dream Song 131 is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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