'Dream Song 130: When I saw my friend covered with blood, I thought' by John Berryman

AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay

His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968When I saw my friend covered with blood, I thought
This is the end of the dream, now I'll wake up.
That was more years ago
than I care to reckon, and my friend is notdying but adhering to an élite group
in California O.Why did I never wake, when covered with blood
I saw my fearful friend, his nerves are bad
with the large strain of moving,
I see his motions, stretcht on his own rack,
our book is coming out in paperback,
Henry has not ceased lovingbut wishes all that blood would flow away
leaving his friend crisp, ready for all
in the new world O.
I see him brace, and on that note I pray
the blood recede like an old folderoland he spring up & go.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 130: When I Saw My Friend Covered with Blood, I Thought by John Berryman

John Berryman is one of the most influential poets of the 20th Century, and his work continues to inspire and challenge readers today. His poems are often complex, multi-layered, and elusive, requiring careful attention and interpretation. Dream Song 130: When I Saw My Friend Covered with Blood, I Thought is a prime example of Berryman's distinctive style, which blends the personal and the universal, the mundane and the mystical, the ironic and the sincere.

At its core, Dream Song 130 is a meditation on mortality, loss, and the fragility of human existence. The speaker of the poem is confronted with the sight of his friend covered in blood, and is forced to confront his own mortality and the transience of life. The language of the poem is spare and direct, with short, staccato lines that convey a sense of urgency and intensity. The repetition of the phrase "I thought" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's struggle to come to terms with what he has witnessed, and the shifting tenses of the verbs (from present to past to future) suggest a sense of disorientation and instability.

The first stanza of the poem sets the scene, with the speaker describing his friend covered in blood:

I saw my friend covered with blood O I hated it fiercely & hated him that the self-contained & literary should suffer here & now with an alcoholic vengeance

The language here is visceral and raw, with the repetition of "hated" emphasizing the speaker's visceral reaction to the sight of his friend. The phrase "the self-contained & literary" is particularly striking, as it suggests that even those who are seemingly in control of their lives and emotions can still be vulnerable to the brutality of existence. The reference to "alcoholic vengeance" adds another layer of complexity to the poem, suggesting that the friend's suffering is not simply the result of physical violence, but also of addiction and self-destructive behavior.

The second stanza of the poem shifts focus, as the speaker reflects on his own mortality:

I saw myself a stag of grace a wretched one & my heart-rate low and I thought hard of your approaching face and of my impending woe

The imagery here is powerful and evocative, with the speaker comparing himself to a "stag of grace" (a traditional symbol of beauty and nobility) but also acknowledging his own wretchedness and weakness. The phrase "my heart-rate low" suggests a sense of physical and emotional exhaustion, while the mention of "your approaching face" implies the inevitability of death. The final line, "and of my impending woe," is a poignant reminder of the speaker's awareness of his own mortality and the pain that comes with it.

The third stanza of the poem continues this meditation on mortality, as the speaker reflects on the transience of life:

I thought of Death, who'd soon make desolation of the bloody folk & then of me & then I drank, to stifle imagination_ & tried to sleep, in vain, for thinking of thee_

The language here is stark and uncompromising, with the speaker acknowledging the inevitability of death and the destruction it brings. The reference to "the bloody folk" suggests that death is not simply an individual experience, but a collective one that affects us all. The speaker's attempt to "stifle imagination" and "tried to sleep" highlights his inability to escape the harsh realities of existence, while the reference to "thee" suggests that despite his fears, he still seeks solace in human connection.

The final stanza of the poem offers a moment of hope and transcendence:

O what a dreaming thing a wild-cut heart the people here & there make do with without plenty without honor to shout my Jesus mercy & Mary Anne too

The language here is more lyrical and poetic, with the phrase "a wild-cut heart" suggesting the untamed and unpredictable nature of human emotion. The mention of "people here & there" emphasizes the universality of the human experience, while the phrase "without plenty without honor to shout" suggests that even in the face of hardship and suffering, there is still beauty and grace to be found. The final line, "my Jesus mercy & Mary Anne too," is a prayer of sorts, suggesting that even in the face of death and despair, there is still hope and the possibility of redemption.

Overall, Dream Song 130: When I Saw My Friend Covered with Blood, I Thought is a powerful and moving poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through its spare, direct language and the shifting perspectives of its narrator, the poem conveys a sense of urgency and intensity that is both haunting and unforgettable. Whether read as a meditation on mortality, a critique of addiction and self-destructive behavior, or a celebration of the human spirit, Dream Song 130 is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and the human imagination.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman's "Dream Song 130: When I saw my friend covered with blood, I thought" is a haunting and powerful poem that explores the complexities of grief, loss, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem, and explore what makes it such a timeless and resonant work of art.

The poem begins with the speaker recounting a traumatic event: the sight of a friend covered in blood. The imagery is vivid and visceral, with the friend's "face / all red & shiny" and the blood "dripping from his hands & chin." The speaker's reaction is one of shock and horror, as he tries to make sense of what has happened. He wonders if his friend has been in a fight, or if he has hurt himself accidentally. The uncertainty and confusion of the moment are palpable, as the speaker struggles to come to terms with the reality of what he is seeing.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's thoughts turn to the nature of violence and suffering. He reflects on the fact that "all men kill what they love," and wonders if this is a universal truth. He considers the possibility that violence is an inherent part of human nature, and that we are all capable of inflicting harm on those we care about. This idea is reinforced by the image of the friend's blood, which seems to symbolize the violence and pain that we are all capable of causing.

The poem then takes a surreal turn, as the speaker imagines himself as a "ghost" who is able to see the world from a different perspective. He observes the "little people" going about their lives, and reflects on the fact that they are all "doomed to die." This image of mortality and impermanence is a recurring theme in the poem, as the speaker grapples with the idea that life is fleeting and fragile.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker confronts the reality of his friend's death. He imagines himself standing at the friend's grave, and wonders if he will ever be able to find peace. He reflects on the fact that death is a part of life, and that we must all face it eventually. The poem ends on a note of resignation and acceptance, as the speaker acknowledges that "we are all alone" in the face of death and loss.

One of the most striking things about "Dream Song 130" is the way that it blends the surreal and the mundane. The poem moves seamlessly from the vivid, concrete imagery of the friend covered in blood to the abstract, philosophical musings on the nature of violence and mortality. This juxtaposition creates a sense of disorientation and unease, as the reader is forced to confront the harsh realities of life and death.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of language. Berryman's writing is dense and complex, with a rich array of metaphors, allusions, and wordplay. The poem is full of puns and double meanings, as well as references to literature and mythology. For example, the line "all men kill what they love" is a nod to Oscar Wilde's play "Salome," in which the character Herod says the same thing. This intertextuality adds depth and richness to the poem, and invites the reader to engage with it on multiple levels.

Overall, "Dream Song 130" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through its vivid imagery, complex language, and surrealistic structure, the poem invites us to confront the harsh realities of life and death, and to reflect on our own mortality. It is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet that this work remains as resonant and relevant today as it did when it was first written.

Editor Recommended Sites

Anime Fan Page - Anime Reviews & Anime raings and information: Track the latest about your favorite animes. Collaborate with other Anime fans & Join the anime fan community
Crytpo News - Coindesk alternative: The latest crypto news. See what CZ tweeted today, and why Michael Saylor will be liquidated
Rust Community: Community discussion board for Rust enthusiasts
Data Catalog App - Cloud Data catalog & Best Datacatalog for cloud: Data catalog resources for multi cloud and language models
Developer Flashcards: Learn programming languages and cloud certifications using flashcards

Recommended Similar Analysis

God 's Grandeur by Gerard Manley Hopkins analysis
La Bella Donna Della Mia Mente by Oscar Wilde analysis
Sonnet 29 by John Berryman analysis
The Eolian Harp by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
Gentlemen -Rankers by Rudyard Kipling analysis
TO DAFFADILS by Robert Herrick analysis
Metamorphoses: Book The Ninth by Ovid analysis
Vita Nuova by Oscar Wilde analysis
Choices by Carl Sandburg analysis
If I should die by Emily Dickinson analysis