Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Dream Songs: 47. April Fool's Day, or, St Mary of Egypt" by John Berryman is a complex and layered poem that intertwines themes of sanctity, sin, and redemption through the lens of Henry and his alter ego, Mr. Bones. The poem draws upon the story of St. Mary of Egypt, a figure of early Christian monasticism known for her dramatic transformation from a life of sin to one of extreme penitence and sanctity. Berryman's use of this narrative allows for a reflection on the nature of human fallibility, the possibility of redemption, and the role of divine grace.

The poem opens with Mr. Bones commenting on the title's humor, setting a conversational tone that contrasts with the deeper themes explored. Berryman then shifts to the figure of St. Mary of Egypt, depicting a moment of epiphany as she sees her feet ("sweet fish") and reflects on her past life of sin and her many lovers. This moment of self-awareness occurs at the threshold of "The Tomb," symbolizing both the physical tomb of Christ and the metaphorical tomb of her former self.

St. Mary's realization that her lovers are "not worthy" signifies a turning point, prompting her to flee "from The Crucified" and her followers, seeking solitude in the desert. This act of renunciation and her subsequent life of penance in the wilderness are depicted as a courageous, albeit desperate, attempt to reconcile her past with her desire for spiritual redemption.

Berryman describes St. Mary's journey into the desert as a "late daylight of animals and sands," emphasizing the harshness and isolation of her penance. Her fall "prone" in the desert, with only the wind as witness, underscores the solitude and severity of her repentance.

The passage of "forty-seven years went by like Einstein" introduces a sense of time's relativity and the profound changes that can occur over a lifetime. This reference to Einstein adds a modern, scientific dimension to the poem, juxtaposing the timeless spiritual journey of St. Mary with contemporary understandings of time and transformation.

The conclusion of the poem, with the celebration of St. Mary's feast "with our caps on, whom God has not visited," reflects a sense of communal reverence for her example of redemption, while also acknowledging a feeling of divine absence or distance. This ending poses a subtle challenge to the reader to consider the nature of sanctity, the possibility of personal transformation, and the role of faith in the face of human imperfection and divine silence.

Through "The Dream Songs: 47," Berryman crafts a richly textured narrative that bridges ancient spirituality and modern existential concerns. The poem invites contemplation of the paradoxes of human existence, the capacity for change, and the enduring search for meaning and redemption in a world that often feels absent of divine presence.

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