Poem by John Allyn McAlpin Berryman

Dream Song 125

Bards freezing, naked, up to the neck in water, 
wholly in dark, time limited, different from
initiations now:
the class in writing, clothed & dry & light, 
unlimited time, till Poetry takes some, 
nobody reads them though,

no trumpets, no solemn instauration no change; 
no commissions, ladies high in soulful praise
pal(none)
costumes as usual, turtleneck sweaters, loafers, 
in & among the busy Many who brays
art is if anything fun.

I say the subject was given as of old, 
prescribed the technical treatment, tests really tests
were set by the masters & graded. 
I say the paralyzed fear lest one's not one 
is back with us forever, worsts & bests 
spring for the public, faded.

1. 1 September 1939
2. Sonet 17. The Old Boys' blazers like a Mardi-Gras

Print

1235 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version