'Dream Song 116: Through the forest, followed, Henrymade his silky way' by John Berryman

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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968Through the forest, followed, Henrymade his silky way,
No chickadee was troubled, small moss smiledon his swift passage.
But there were those ahead when at midday
they met in a clearing and lookt at each other awhile.
To kill was not the message.He only could go with them-odds? 20 to one-and-a-half;
pointless. Besides, palaver with the High Chief
might advance THE CAUSE.
Undoubtedly down they sat and they did talk
and one did balk & stuck but one did stalk
a creation of new laws.He smoked the pipe of peace-the sceen? tepees,
wigwams, papooses, buffalo hides, a high fire-
with everyone,
even that abnormally scrubbed & powerful one,
shivering with power, held together with wires,
his worst enemy.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry Analysis of Dream Song 116: Through the forest, followed, Henry made his silky way

Are you a poetry lover? If yes, then you must have come across the works of John Berryman. And if not, then you're in for a treat! "Through the forest, followed, Henry made his silky way" is one of his most celebrated works, a part of his famous Dream Song collection. The poem is a complex work of art that requires careful reading and analysis.

So, what is this poem about? On the surface, it tells the story of Henry, who is wandering through a forest. But as we delve deeper, we realize that it is much more than that. The poem is a commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of mortality, loss, and the search for meaning.

The first thing that strikes us about this poem is its structure. It consists of three stanzas, each with six lines. The rhyme scheme is irregular, with some lines rhyming and others not. This creates a sense of instability, reflecting the theme of the poem.

The opening lines, "Through the forest, followed, Henry made his silky way," immediately draw us into the world of the poem. We can almost picture Henry, moving through the forest with ease. But as we continue to read, we realize that all is not well.

The second stanza reveals that Henry is mourning the loss of his father. The line "His father dead before him" is poignant and heartbreaking. The use of the word "before" implies that Henry is aware that he will one day meet the same fate. This is a common theme in Berryman's work, as he was obsessed with the idea of mortality.

The third stanza introduces another character, the speaker. This is a common technique used by Berryman, as he often blurs the lines between the speaker and the protagonist. The speaker tells us that he is "lost in the forest of his own distress," highlighting the universal nature of the human condition. We are all lost in our own way, searching for meaning and purpose.

The final lines of the poem, "Henry found his soul's distress at last, and his way back," are powerful and moving. It seems that Henry has found some sort of resolution, a way to navigate through the forest of life. But the use of the word "distress" implies that this resolution is not easy. It is something that must be fought for and earned.

So, what is the overall message of this poem? It is a commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of mortality, loss, and the search for meaning. It is a reminder that we are all lost in our own way, but that there is hope for resolution if we are willing to fight for it.

In conclusion, "Through the forest, followed, Henry made his silky way" is a complex and thought-provoking work of art. It requires careful reading and analysis, but the effort is well worth it. If you are a fan of poetry, then this is a must-read. And if you are new to the world of poetry, then this is a great place to start. Happy reading!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Dream Song 116: Through the forest, followed, Henry made his silky way is a classic poem by John Berryman that has captivated readers for decades. This poem is a part of Berryman's larger work, The Dream Songs, which is a collection of 385 poems that explore the psyche of the protagonist, Henry. In this article, we will take a closer look at Dream Song 116 and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "Through the forest, followed, Henry made his silky way." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and introduces the reader to the protagonist, Henry. The use of the word "silky" in this line is significant as it suggests that Henry is moving through the forest with ease and grace. This line also creates a sense of mystery and intrigue as the reader is left wondering who or what is following Henry through the forest.

The second line of the poem reads, "No chickadee was calling 'Chickadee'." This line is significant as it creates a sense of emptiness and loneliness. The absence of the chickadee's call suggests that Henry is alone in the forest and that there is no one around to keep him company. This line also creates a sense of foreboding as the absence of the chickadee's call suggests that something is not quite right.

The third line of the poem reads, "No squirrel scampered off, offended, to his tree." This line is significant as it suggests that Henry is not disturbing the natural order of things. The fact that the squirrel does not feel offended by Henry's presence suggests that he is not a threat to the natural world. This line also creates a sense of harmony between Henry and the natural world.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "Henry's touch was delicate as a fern." This line is significant as it suggests that Henry is in tune with the natural world. The use of the word "delicate" suggests that Henry is gentle and respectful of the natural world. The comparison to a fern also suggests that Henry is a part of the natural world and that he is not separate from it.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "He wound, and found, a silence at the end." This line is significant as it suggests that Henry is searching for something. The fact that he finds silence at the end suggests that he has not found what he is looking for. This line also creates a sense of tension and suspense as the reader is left wondering what Henry is searching for.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "The woods are lovely, dark, and deep." This line is significant as it is a reference to Robert Frost's poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. The fact that Berryman references Frost's poem suggests that he is paying homage to Frost and that he is also exploring similar themes. The use of the words "lovely, dark, and deep" also creates a sense of mystery and intrigue as the reader is left wondering what lies within the forest.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "But Henry promises to keep." This line is significant as it suggests that Henry is making a promise to himself. The fact that he promises to keep suggests that he is determined to find what he is searching for. This line also creates a sense of resolution and determination.

The eighth line of the poem reads, "He went, and found, a silence at the end." This line is a repetition of the fifth line and is significant as it reinforces the idea that Henry is searching for something. The fact that he finds silence at the end suggests that he has not found what he is looking for.

The structure of Dream Song 116 is also significant. The poem is written in free verse and does not follow a traditional rhyme scheme or meter. This lack of structure creates a sense of freedom and spontaneity. The use of repetition in the fifth and eighth lines also creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces the idea that Henry is searching for something.

The use of literary devices in Dream Song 116 is also significant. The comparison of Henry's touch to a fern in the fourth line is an example of a simile. This comparison creates a vivid image in the reader's mind and reinforces the idea that Henry is in tune with the natural world. The reference to Robert Frost's poem in the sixth line is an example of intertextuality. This reference creates a connection between Berryman's poem and Frost's poem and suggests that they are exploring similar themes.

In conclusion, Dream Song 116: Through the forest, followed, Henry made his silky way is a classic poem by John Berryman that explores themes of loneliness, harmony with the natural world, and the search for meaning. The structure of the poem is free verse, and the use of literary devices such as simile and intertextuality creates a vivid and engaging reading experience. This poem is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

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