'Dream Song 176: All that hair flashing over' by John Berryman
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All that hair flashing over the Atlantic,
Henry's girl's gone. She'll find Paris a sweet place
as many times he did.
She's there now, having left yesterday. I held
her cousin's hand, all innocence, on the climb to the tower.
Her cousin is if possible more beautiful than she is.
All over the world grades are being turned in,
and isn't that a truly gloomy thought.
It's June, God help us, when the sight we fought
clears. One day when I take my sock
off the skin will come with it
and I'll run blood, horrible on the floor
the streaming blood reminds me of my love.
Wolves run in & out
take wolves, but terrible enough
I am dreaming of my love's hair & all her front teeth are false
as were my anti-hopes.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 176: All that hair flashing over by John Berryman
All that hair flashing over
the Atlantic, at noon.
I was miserable, of course, for I had heard
my human blood
whispering or carrying on as it must.
And, at that hour, the world has love in it
somewhere, and no luck interferes.
I trailed across the sea,
with my eyes closed,
following the hair,
singing.
—You know, I remember you,
you used to remind me of
Blanche Dubois,
the way you carried on,
the way you talked to me,
the way you touched my arm—
All that hair flashing over—
And I was miserable, of course,
for I had heard my human blood
whispering or carrying on as it must.
And, at that hour, the world has love in it
somewhere, and no luck interferes.
Dream Song 176 by John Berryman is a complex and layered poem that explores the themes of love, desire, and human longing. The poem is written in Berryman's signature Dream Song style, which is characterized by its unconventional syntax and fragmented structure. At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple meditation on the beauty of a woman's hair, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the poem is about much more than that.
The poem begins with the speaker observing a woman's hair as it flashes over the Atlantic at noon. The hair is described in vivid detail, and the reader can almost feel its movement and texture. The image of the hair is powerful and captivating, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
As the poem continues, the speaker reveals that he is miserable because he has heard his human blood whispering or carrying on as it must. This line is particularly fascinating because it suggests that the speaker's desires are beyond his control. The use of the word "must" implies that the speaker has no choice in the matter, and that his desires are a natural part of his being.
The next line of the poem is equally intriguing. The speaker states that "at that hour, the world has love in it somewhere, and no luck interferes." This line is both hopeful and sad. It suggests that love is always present in the world, but that luck can sometimes interfere and prevent people from finding it.
The speaker then trails across the sea with his eyes closed, following the hair and singing. This image is powerful because it suggests that the speaker is completely consumed by his desires. He is willing to follow the hair blindly, without knowing where it will lead him.
The next stanza of the poem is particularly interesting because it contains a reference to Blanche Dubois from Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire. The speaker says that the woman he is thinking of reminds him of Blanche Dubois, particularly in the way she talks to him and touches his arm. This reference is significant because it suggests that the woman the speaker is thinking of is a complex and troubled character, much like Blanche Dubois herself.
The poem ends with a repetition of the first stanza, with the speaker once again observing the hair flashing over the Atlantic and feeling miserable because of his desires. The repetition of this stanza is significant because it suggests that the speaker is trapped in a cycle of desire and longing. He cannot escape his desires and is doomed to feel miserable because of them.
Overall, Dream Song 176 is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of human desire and longing. The poem is filled with rich imagery and language, and it rewards careful reading and analysis. John Berryman was a master of the Dream Song style, and this poem is a testament to his skill and artistry.
In conclusion, Dream Song 176 is a beautiful and haunting poem that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading it. It is a testament to the power of language and the human imagination, and it reminds us of the beauty and complexity of the world around us. John Berryman was a brilliant poet, and this poem is a testament to his talent and vision.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 176: All that hair flashing over is a classic poem written by John Berryman, an American poet known for his unique style and use of language. This poem is a part of his Dream Songs collection, which is considered one of the most significant works of American poetry in the 20th century. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a woman's hair, which is "flashing over" him. The hair is described as "long and black," and the speaker is mesmerized by its beauty. The hair is compared to a "river," which suggests its fluidity and movement. The imagery of the hair is significant as it represents the woman's femininity and sensuality. The hair is also a symbol of power and freedom, as it is not confined or controlled by anyone.
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the speaker's own thoughts and feelings. He describes himself as "lost" and "lonely," and he is searching for something to hold onto. The imagery of the speaker being lost and searching is significant as it suggests a lack of direction and purpose in his life. The hair represents a source of comfort and stability for the speaker, as he longs to be enveloped by it.
The third stanza of the poem introduces a new character, a man named Henry. Henry is described as a "big man," and he is associated with power and authority. The speaker is envious of Henry's position and wishes to be like him. The imagery of Henry as a powerful figure is significant as it suggests the speaker's desire for control and influence in his own life.
The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the image of the woman's hair. The speaker describes the hair as "wild," which suggests its untamed nature. The hair is also described as "thick," which suggests its strength and resilience. The imagery of the hair as wild and thick is significant as it represents the woman's independence and strength.
The fifth stanza of the poem introduces a new image, that of a "black horse." The horse is described as "wild" and "free," which suggests its untamed nature. The horse is also associated with power and strength, as it is able to run and move freely. The imagery of the horse is significant as it represents the speaker's desire for freedom and independence.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem returns to the image of the woman's hair. The speaker describes the hair as "flowing," which suggests its movement and fluidity. The hair is also described as "endless," which suggests its infinite nature. The imagery of the hair as flowing and endless is significant as it represents the woman's beauty and grace.
In terms of language, the poem is written in a free verse style, which allows for a more natural and fluid expression of the speaker's thoughts and feelings. The language used in the poem is simple and direct, which adds to its emotional impact. The repetition of the image of the woman's hair throughout the poem creates a sense of continuity and unity, which reinforces its significance as a symbol of femininity and power.
In terms of themes, the poem explores the themes of power, freedom, and femininity. The image of the woman's hair represents these themes, as it is a symbol of power and freedom, as well as a representation of femininity and sensuality. The speaker's desire for control and influence in his own life is also a significant theme, as it reflects the human desire for power and autonomy.
In conclusion, Dream Song 176: All that hair flashing over is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of power, freedom, and femininity. The imagery of the woman's hair is significant as it represents these themes, as well as the speaker's desire for control and influence in his own life. The language used in the poem is simple and direct, which adds to its emotional impact. Overall, this poem is a testament to John Berryman's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in his work.
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