John Berryman

Was an American poet active in 1942-1972. Despite his father's death, an attempt to commit suicide, psychological problems, bad marriage and alcoholism he managed to contribute greatly to the poetry of the 20th century, Sdly he ended up jumping off a bridge. But his "dream songs" will continue to serve as memory.

Huffy Henry hid     the day,

unappeasable Henry sulked.

I see his point,—a trying to put things over.

It was the thought that they thought

they could do it made Henry wicked & away.

But he should have come out and talked.

All the world like a woolen lover

once did seem on Henry's side.

Then came a departure.

Thereafter nothing fell out as it might or ought.

I don't see how Henry, pried

open for all the world to see, survived.

What he has now to say is a long

wonder the world can bear & be.

Once in a sycamore I was glad

all at the top, and I sang.

Hard on the land wears the strong sea

and empty grows every bed.