“I cry. Evil dissolves, and love, like foam;that love. Prattle of children powers me home,my heart claps like the swan’sunder a frenzy of who love me and who shine.”
Explore This Quote Further
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on John Berryman's poem, consider the following questions: 1. How does the imagery of crying, evil dissolving, and love like foam contribute to the emotional tone of the poem? 2. In what ways does the imagery of children prattling and the swan's heart clapping add layers of meaning to the poem? 3. How does the final line, "who love me and who shine," tie together the themes of love and acceptance in the poem?
Quote Analysis:
In this quote by John Berryman, the speaker compares the dissolving of evil to crying and the overwhelming feeling of love to foam. The imagery of love being like foam conveys the fragility and fleeting nature of love, while also highlighting its power to engulf and consume. The mention of children's chatter and the swan's clapping heart creates a sense of innocence, purity, and joy. The speaker expresses a deep emotional connection to those who love and appreciate them, emphasizing the importance of love and connection in their life.
Modern Relevance
In this poetic excerpt from John Berryman, the themes of love, innocence, and vulnerability are highlighted. This expression of emotions and yearning for connection is still relevant in modern times, as we all navigate the complexities of relationships and seek validation and acceptance from those we care about. The raw and emotional language used by Berryman can resonate with anyone experiencing the joys and pains of love.
John Berryman's Poetic Reflection
“I cry. Evil dissolves, and love, like foam;that love. Prattle of children powers me home,my heart claps like the swan’sunder a frenzy of who love me and who shine.” - John Berryman
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