Dream Song 87: For John Berryman

John Berryman

Dream Song 87: For John Berryman
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I’ve been hearing rumors that—
Henry may be returning to our life
Again both adult & more difficult

There exists rumors that he’s—
Still remote and sad and quite
Beyond the knowledge of his wife
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He will come in silence this—
Distinguished one essaying once again
The lower slopes, keeping up my hopes

Heading not for some kind of cult—
But for the enigmatic faces, unsurveyed,
Calm as a forest glade
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I can only speak for myself—
And I’ve already said too much since he
May be there groaning in some hospital

I wouldn’t interrupt him doing his thing—
Resuming, as the fates decree, his lot
Bracing himself for whatever