Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Black Book, Sels." ( not him) by John Berryman is a haunting and somber poem that delves into themes of death, familial grief, and the legacy of suffering. Through vivid imagery and a narrative that oscillates between personal tragedy and a collective sense of loss, Berryman crafts a poignant reflection on the impact of one man's death on those around him and calls into question the broader implications of recording such experiences.

The poem begins with the figure of the grandfather, who is described as sleepless and isolated in a room upstairs, suggesting a life marked by solitude and perhaps illness or despair. The event of his being brought down, which causes the family to weep, signifies a moment of crisis or transition, likely toward death. Berryman's use of the phrase "The blind light sang about his ears" imbues the scene with a sense of surreal disorientation, emphasizing the grandfather's detachment from the world in his final moments.

The narrative then shifts to a more brutal and disturbing imagery, with the grandfather being "stamped down in mud" and subjected to a violent death, indicated by the blood breaking from his ears and the description of him being drawn "silly & odd-eyed" by a windlass. This depiction of physical abuse and degradation starkly contrasts with the earlier, more subdued image of the grandfather in his room, highlighting the cruelty and inhumanity he faced at the end of his life.

Berryman's mention of the grandfather being "cleaned up / somewhat" before being brought home underscores the attempt to restore dignity to the deceased, though the "loose eyes' glaze" remains, a haunting reminder of the suffering he endured. The howling and shaking that tormented the family until his death further emphasize the agony of his final hours, leaving a lasting impact on those who witnessed it.

The plea to Abraham to "Write, I beg, in your Book" invokes the biblical figure known for his covenant with God and suggests a desperate need to document and remember the grandfather's suffering as part of a larger narrative of human pain and endurance. This act of recording serves as both a memorial and a testimony, ensuring that the grandfather's story is not forgotten amidst the "solemn and high bells" that no longer call to the pallbearers.

The closing lines of the poem, with their references to crawling, gibbering, and the "Irritable & treacherous / Despairs" of Hell, capture the overwhelming sense of despair and disarray that follows the grandfather's death. Berryman's choice to end the poem with the phrase "here (not him) reach now to shatter us" highlights the enduring and destructive power of grief, which continues to affect the living long after the deceased has passed.

"Black Book, Sels." is a powerful exploration of mortality, the physical and emotional toll of dying, and the ways in which individual tragedies are woven into the fabric of family history and human consciousness. Through stark imagery and a narrative that bridges personal loss with universal themes of suffering and remembrance, Berryman offers a deeply moving and contemplative piece that resonates with the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?volume=75&issue=4&page=6

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