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THE DREAM SONGS: 64, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography


"The Dream Songs: 64" by John Berryman continues the exploration of Henry's internal world, marked by a sense of disarray and existential questioning. In this song, Berryman delves into themes of self-sufficiency, vulnerability, and the elusive quest for blessing or validation amidst the chaos of life. The interplay between Henry and his alter ego, Mr. Bones, serves as a conduit for these reflections, presenting a dialogue that oscillates between the comic and the profound.

The poem opens with Henry declaring his material wealth ("Supreme my holdings") and yet acknowledging a greater spiritual or emotional need ("greater yet my need"). This juxtaposition sets the stage for Henry's departure into the dawn, a metaphorical journey that finds him questioning the adequacy of his preparations and seeking any form of blessing in an uncertain world. The mention of "cig's," "flaskie O," and "crystal cock" symbolizes his reliance on physical objects and habits as sources of comfort or security, while his "kneel has gone to seed" suggests a neglect of spiritual sustenance or humility.

Berryman introduces a sense of external conflict with the reference to "MIGs" (military jets), which metaphorically disrupt Henry's "tardy readying" for the day or life's challenges. This mention of military imagery adds a layer of tension and the sense of being under siege, whether by external forces or internal doubts.

Mr. Bones's response to Henry's request for "Anybody's blessing" introduces a note of pragmatism and caution, advising Henry against making excessive "démand" and offering the practical suggestion of a hat for the impending rain. This exchange highlights the contrast between Henry's existential longing and Mr. Bones's focus on immediate, tangible needs.

The poem then shifts to a reflection on a figure characterized by "groans & greed & spite," who experiences a moment of perceived blessing on a "vile night." This anecdote serves as a cautionary tale about the subjective nature of feeling blessed or cursed, suggesting that moments of grace or damnation may be fleeting and open to interpretation.

Henry's inquiry, "Why not Henry, with his grasp of desire?" points to his longing for recognition or validation in the face of life's hardships. Mr. Bones's reply, "Hear matters hard to manage at de best," underscores the complexity of discerning truth from illusion and the difficulty of navigating the space between "what we see" and "what be." The closing image of "blinds' on fire" symbolizes the barriers to understanding and the destructive potential of seeking clarity in a world obscured by confusion and conflict.

"The Dream Songs: 64" captures Berryman's ability to weave together personal angst, philosophical inquiry, and lyrical beauty. Through the dialogues between Henry and Mr. Bones, Berryman explores the human condition, marked by a perpetual struggle for meaning, the search for solace in a turbulent world, and the challenge of distinguishing between the real and the perceived amidst the flames of doubt and desire.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/77_Dream_Songs/iP6DBAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22Supreme+my+holdings,+greater+yet+my+need%22+BERRYMAN&pg=PA71&printsec=frontcover


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