Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To John Berryman: 1" by Rosanne Coggeshall is a poignant homage to the American poet John Berryman and his creation, Henry, the protagonist of Berryman's "The Dream Songs." The poem opens with an evocative image of a dog spending nights out in the rain, an image that is both beautiful and tinged with sadness. The simplicity of the dog's existence contrasts with the human complexity reflected in the following lines.

The mention of "sleeves of this old shirt" and "dust forms windows in the floor" conjures a sense of the mundane and the passage of time, grounding the poem in the tangible details of everyday life. These images may suggest a continuity with Berryman's work, which often dwelled on the minutiae of the personal and the domestic as gateways to deeper emotional and existential truths.

The line "Henry's book hurt helped is more" directly references Berryman's "Henry," encapsulating the pain and solace found in Berryman's poetry. Berryman's work, known for its emotional intensity and exploration of personal despair, is acknowledged here as both a source of hurt and a form of help, illustrating the dual nature of art as both wounding and healing.

The closing lines, "Somewhere she is curling into sleep / Not too rainy Henry not too deep," introduce a gentle, almost lullaby-like note. There's a wish for peace and rest, both for the speaker and the referenced "she," possibly hinting at a universal longing for comfort amidst life's storms. The mention of "not too deep" could be read as a plea for safety from overwhelming despair or loss, themes prevalent in Berryman's work.

In this brief poem, Coggeshall captures the essence of Berryman's poetic legacy—its beauty, its pain, and its capacity for solace. The poem serves as a tribute not only to Berryman but also to the power of poetry to connect us across time, offering comfort and understanding in the face of life's complexities.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Yellow_Shoe_Poets/2D6aqhb651oC?q=BACA+%22MEN+LATE+AT+NIGHT+COOK+COFFEE+IN+RUSTY+CANS%22&gbpv=1&bsq=TO%20JOHN#f=false

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