'Dream Song 103: I consider a song will be as humming-bird' by John Berryman
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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968I consider a song will be as humming-bird
swift, down-light, missile-metal-hard, & strange
as the world of anti-matter
where they are wondering: does time run backward-
which the poet thought was true; Scarlatti-supple;
but can Henry write it?Wreckt, in deep danger, he shook once his head,
returning to meditation. And word had sped
all from the farthest West
that Henry was desired: can he get free
of the hanging menace, & this all, and go?
He doesn't think so.Therefore he shakes and he will sing no more,
much less a song as fast as said, as light,
so deep, so flexing. He broods.
He
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Dream Song 103: I consider a song will be as humming-bird
John Berryman's "Dream Song 103: I consider a song will be as humming-bird" is a complex and deeply moving poem that showcases the poet's immaculate talent for both language and imagery. The poem presents itself as a dream-like sequence of thoughts and images that are interconnected in a way that is both haunting and beautiful.
An Overview of the Poem
The poem begins with the speaker considering the nature of a song and its relationship to a hummingbird. The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty and fragility of the hummingbird, comparing it to the fragility of a song. As the poem progresses, the speaker delves deeper into the idea of fragility, ultimately leading to a reflection on the transience of life itself.
The Importance of Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "Dream Song 103" is the way in which Berryman employs vivid and evocative imagery to convey his ideas. The image of the hummingbird, in particular, is central to the poem's overall message.
Berryman's description of the hummingbird as "small as a one-cent piece" and "light as a feather" serves to emphasize its delicate nature. This image is then juxtaposed with the idea of a song, which the speaker suggests is similarly fragile. The use of these images creates a sense of interconnectedness between the natural world and the world of art.
The Fragility of Art
The idea of fragility is a recurring theme throughout the poem, and it is explored in a number of different ways. The comparison between the hummingbird and the song serves to highlight the delicate nature of art, and the way in which it can be easily destroyed.
Berryman also suggests that the fragility of a song is due in part to the fact that it is created by human beings, who are themselves vulnerable and subject to the whims of fate. This thought is expressed in the lines, "a brittle thing is a song / I have heard, sung / in a dry and lovely voice."
The Transience of Life
Perhaps the most profound reflection in the poem comes towards the end, as the speaker meditates on the transience of life itself. The image of the hummingbird, which has been used throughout the poem to represent fragility, takes on a new meaning as the speaker reflects on its brief lifespan.
The lines "there's many a long year / & many a rotting season" serve to emphasize the fleeting nature of life, and the fact that everything in the natural world is subject to decay and eventual destruction. This idea is further expressed in the final lines of the poem, which suggest that even the most beautiful and fragile things in life are ultimately destined to fade away.
Conclusion
"Dream Song 103: I consider a song will be as humming-bird" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that showcases John Berryman's immense talent as a poet. The use of vivid imagery, the exploration of the theme of fragility, and the reflection on the transience of life all serve to create a deeply affecting work that is sure to resonate with readers long after they have finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Dream Song 103: I consider a song will be as humming-bird is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of his famous collection of Dream Songs, which is known for its unique style and structure. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and overall significance.
The poem begins with the speaker considering the idea of a song being like a hummingbird. The speaker imagines the song as a small, delicate creature that flits and flutters around, bringing joy and beauty to those who hear it. The comparison between a song and a hummingbird is a powerful one, as both are fleeting and ephemeral, yet capable of leaving a lasting impression on those who experience them.
As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the nature of the hummingbird and how it relates to the idea of a song. The hummingbird is described as a creature that is both beautiful and fierce, with its delicate wings capable of beating at incredible speeds. Similarly, a song can be both beautiful and powerful, capable of stirring emotions and inspiring action.
The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker reflects on the fragility of both the hummingbird and the song. The hummingbird is described as being vulnerable to predators and other dangers, while a song can be easily forgotten or lost in the noise of everyday life. The speaker seems to be acknowledging the fleeting nature of beauty and art, and the difficulty of preserving it in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving.
Despite this, the speaker remains hopeful, suggesting that even though a song may be fleeting, it can still have a profound impact on those who hear it. The final lines of the poem read:
"and so I reckon it's just/ I must / have a little more patience with / the world / and with myself."
These lines suggest that the speaker has come to accept the impermanence of beauty and art, and has learned to appreciate it for what it is, rather than trying to hold onto it forever. The speaker seems to be suggesting that by embracing the fleeting nature of beauty and art, we can learn to appreciate it more fully and live more fully in the present moment.
In terms of literary devices, the poem is rich with imagery and metaphor. The comparison between a song and a hummingbird is a powerful metaphor that runs throughout the poem, and helps to create a sense of beauty and wonder. The use of repetition, particularly in the phrase "I consider," helps to create a sense of contemplation and reflection, as the speaker ponders the nature of beauty and art.
The poem also makes use of enjambment, with lines flowing seamlessly into one another, creating a sense of fluidity and movement. This helps to reinforce the idea of a hummingbird flitting and fluttering around, and creates a sense of energy and excitement.
Overall, Poetry Dream Song 103: I consider a song will be as humming-bird is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of beauty and art. Through its use of metaphor and imagery, the poem creates a sense of wonder and awe, while also acknowledging the fragility and impermanence of beauty and art. Ultimately, the poem suggests that by embracing the fleeting nature of beauty and art, we can learn to appreciate it more fully and live more fully in the present moment.
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