'Dream Song 265: I don't know one damned butterfly from another' by John Berryman

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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968I don't know one damned butterfly from another
my ignorance of the stars is formidable,
also of dogs & ferns
except that around my house one destroys the other
When I reckon up my real ignorance, pal,
I mumble "many returns"-next time it will be nature & Thoreau
this time is Baudelaire if one had the skill
and even those problems O
At the mysterious urging of the body or Poe
reeled I with chance, insubordinate & a killer
O formal & elaborate I choose youbut I love too the spare, the hit-or-miss,
the mad, I sometimes can'talways tell them apart
As we fall apart, will you let me hear?
That would be good, that would be halfway to bliss
You said will you answer back? I cross my heart
& hope to die but not this year.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 265: I don't know one damned butterfly from another by John Berryman

Are you ready to be taken on a journey through the mind of one of the greatest poets of the 20th century? Buckle up, because Dream Song 265 by John Berryman is not for the faint of heart. This poem is a masterclass in the use of imagery, symbolism, and language to create a vivid and deeply moving portrait of the human experience.

Let's start with the title. "I don't know one damned butterfly from another." At first glance, this seems like a simple statement of ignorance. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see that it is much more than that. The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, of metamorphosis. It is a creature that undergoes a radical change, from a lowly caterpillar to a beautiful and graceful butterfly. But Berryman is saying that he cannot distinguish one butterfly from another. In other words, he is saying that he cannot recognize the transformations that are going on around him. He is blind to the beauty and wonder of the world.

The poem begins with the speaker lamenting his ignorance. He says, "The thing's true, I do not understand / the human mind." This is a powerful statement, because it suggests that the speaker is not just ignorant about butterflies, but about the most fundamental aspect of human existence. He is unable to comprehend the workings of his own mind, let alone the minds of others.

But then the poem takes a turn. The speaker says, "I don't understand my self either." This is a startling admission, because it suggests that the speaker is not just ignorant about the world around him, but about his own identity as well. He does not know who he is or what he wants.

The next few lines are a jumble of images and ideas, as the speaker struggles to make sense of his own thoughts and feelings. He talks about "the blue of the sky / that held me up for a while" and "the black of the night / that swallowed me whole." These lines are a metaphor for the ups and downs of life, the moments of joy and the moments of despair.

But then the speaker comes back to the butterfly. He says, "I cannot tell one / from the other." This is a repetition of the title, but it takes on a new meaning here. The speaker is not just saying that he cannot distinguish between butterflies, but that he cannot distinguish between the different stages of transformation that they represent. He cannot see the beauty and wonder of the world, because he is blinded by his own ignorance and confusion.

The next few lines are a bit more abstract, as the speaker talks about "the infinite sadness / of finite things." This is a profound statement, because it suggests that even the most beautiful and wondrous things in the world are destined to fade away and disappear.

But then the poem takes a turn again, as the speaker talks about "the great black wings / of the nothing that kills." This is a reference to death, and the idea that it is the ultimate transformation. But the speaker is not just talking about physical death, but the death of the self, the death of identity.

The final lines of the poem are a bit more hopeful, as the speaker says, "I am alive and drunk on sunlight." This is a reminder that even in the midst of confusion and despair, there is still beauty and joy to be found in the world. It is a reminder that life is a journey, and that even though we may not understand everything, we can still find meaning and purpose in our experiences.

In conclusion, Dream Song 265 is a powerful and deeply moving poem that explores the themes of ignorance, identity, transformation, and mortality. It is a reminder that even in the midst of confusion and despair, there is still beauty and joy to be found in the world, and that even though we may not understand everything, we can still find meaning and purpose in our experiences. John Berryman was a master of language and imagery, and this poem is a testament to his skill and vision as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman's "Dream Song 265: I don't know one damned butterfly from another" is a classic poem that explores the themes of identity, memory, and mortality. The poem is part of Berryman's "Dream Songs" collection, which is known for its surreal and fragmented style. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices to understand its significance.

The poem begins with the speaker admitting that he cannot distinguish one butterfly from another. This seemingly simple statement is a metaphor for the speaker's struggle with identity. He is unable to differentiate between the different aspects of himself, and this lack of clarity is causing him distress. The speaker's confusion is further emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "I don't know" throughout the poem.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of memory. The speaker recalls a time when he was able to identify butterflies, but that memory is now hazy and distant. This loss of memory is a common experience as we age, and it adds to the speaker's sense of disorientation. The line "I am not a scientist" suggests that the speaker is not equipped to understand the complexities of memory and identity, and he is left feeling lost and alone.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the theme of mortality. The speaker reflects on the fact that he will eventually die, and this realization adds to his sense of despair. The line "I have wasted my life" suggests that the speaker feels that he has not accomplished anything meaningful in his life. This feeling of regret is a common experience as we approach the end of our lives, and it adds to the poem's sense of melancholy.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the literary device of allusion. The speaker references the Greek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his death. This allusion adds to the poem's theme of mortality, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of his own limitations and the consequences of his actions. The line "I have flown too close to the sun" suggests that the speaker has taken risks in his life, but those risks have not led to any significant achievements.

The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the theme of language. The speaker reflects on the fact that language is a tool for communication, but it can also be a barrier to understanding. The line "I speak like a child" suggests that the speaker feels that he is unable to express himself clearly. This feeling of inadequacy is a common experience, and it adds to the poem's sense of frustration.

The sixth stanza of the poem introduces the literary device of repetition. The phrase "I don't know one damned butterfly from another" is repeated three times, emphasizing the speaker's sense of confusion and frustration. The repetition also adds to the poem's sense of fragmentation, as the speaker is unable to articulate his thoughts clearly.

The seventh and final stanza of the poem introduces the theme of perception. The speaker reflects on the fact that our perceptions of the world are subjective and can change over time. The line "I used to think the world was small" suggests that the speaker's perception of the world has changed over time. This realization adds to the poem's sense of melancholy, as the speaker is aware that his own perceptions are limited and flawed.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This lack of structure adds to the poem's sense of fragmentation and disorientation. The poem is also divided into seven stanzas, each with its own distinct theme and literary device. This structure adds to the poem's sense of complexity and depth.

In terms of literary devices, the poem uses metaphor, allusion, repetition, and imagery to convey its themes. The metaphor of the butterfly is used to explore the theme of identity, while the allusion to the myth of Icarus adds to the poem's theme of mortality. The repetition of the phrase "I don't know" emphasizes the speaker's sense of confusion and frustration, while the imagery of the butterfly adds to the poem's sense of beauty and fragility.

In conclusion, John Berryman's "Dream Song 265: I don't know one damned butterfly from another" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of identity, memory, and mortality. The poem's structure and literary devices add to its complexity and depth, while its themes are universal and relatable. The 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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