In ‘Dream Song 149,’ Berryman mourns Delmore’s death and reflects on their profound connection amidst disillusionment with the world.
This poem is a good representation of John Berryman's poems. It showcases many of the key themes and stylistic elements that are characteristic of Berryman's poetry, such as introspection, personal experiences, complex emotions, and a unique blend of colloquial language and formal structure. The poem's exploration of loss, disillusionment, and the power of human connection reflects the depth and complexity found in much of Berryman's work.
This world is gradually becoming a place
where I do not care to be anymore. Can Delmore die?
I don’t suppose
in all them years a day ever went by
‘Henry’s Understanding’ by John Berryman is a chilling and image-rich description of Berryman’s state of mind towards the end of his life as he contemplated suicide.
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