Dream Song 112: My framework is broken, I am coming to an end

By John Berryman

My framework is broken, I am coming to an end,

God send it soon. When I had most to say

my tongue clung to the roof

I mean of my mouth. It is my Lady's birthday

which must be honoured, and has been. God send

it soon.

I now must speak to my disciples, west

and east. I say to you, Do not delay

I say, expectation is vain.

I say again, It is my Lady's birthday

which must be honoured. Bring her to the test

at once.

I say again, It is my Lady's birthday

which must be honoured, for her high black hair

but not for that alone:

for every word she utters everywhere

shows her good soul, as true as a healed bone,—

being part of what I meant to say.