I think that what happens in my poetic work in the future will depend on my being knocked in the face, and thrown flat, and given cancer, and all kinds of other things short of senile dementia. — John Berryman Copy Share Image
I do strongly feel that among the greatest pieces of luck for high achievement is ordeal. Certain great artists can make out without it, Titian and others, but mostly you need ordeal. My idea is this: the artist is extremely… — John Berryman Copy Share Image
“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… — John Berryman Copy Share Image
These Songs are not meant to be understood, you understand. They are only meant to terrify & comfort. — John Berryman Copy Share Image
“Springwater grow so thick it gonna clot and the pleasing ladies cease. I figure, yup, you is bad powers.” — John Berryman Copy Share Image
“The serious poet should seek to explore the 'sources' of these global nightmares-and to explore them not just in poetry, but in person. Poetry… — John Berryman Copy Share Image
I conclude now I have no inner resources, because I am heavy bored. Peoples bore me, literature bores me, especially great literature, — John Berryman Copy Share Image
Two daiquiris withdrew into a corner of a gorgeous room and one told the other a lie. — John Berryman Copy Share Image
