John Berryman
American poet whose Dream Songs, narrated by a blackface alter ego called Henry, are among the most original and disturbing works in American poetry. He struggled with alcoholism and depression throughout his life.
Works
- Homage to Mistress BradstreetDramatic poem depicting imagined dialogue between poet and early American woman
- 77 Dream SongsSequence of dream-like poems narrating a fragmented, troubled consciousness
- His Toy His Dream His RestContinuation of dream songs exploring trauma, language, and fractured identity
- Collected Poems