“I am the least difficult of men. All I want is boundless love.”
-Frank O’Hara
Born on March 27th, 1926 in Baltimore, Maryland, Frank O’Hara, one of the central figures of the New York School of poetry, held a unique and compelling perspective on the art of everyday life. His poetic vision was deeply rooted in the mundane, the ordinary, and the overlooked aspects of daily existence. O’Hara’s poetry is often characterized by its spontaneity, its directness, and its desire to capture the fleeting moments that make up a human life.
In his work, O’Hara sought to blur the boundaries between life and art, arguing that the two were not separate entities but were rather deeply intertwined. He viewed his poems as a form of conversation, an ongoing dialogue with the world around him. The streets of New York City, the conversations he had with friends, the paintings he saw in museums—all were potential sources of inspiration for his poetry.
O’Hara’s poetic vision was also marked by its embrace of popular culture. He often referenced music, film, and other forms of entertainment in his poems, arguing that these elements were just as worthy of artistic exploration as more traditionally ‘high’ forms of art. This inclusive approach to art and culture is part of what makes Frank O’Hara’s work so distinctive and enduring.
In understanding Frank O’Hara’s poetic vision, one must appreciate his belief in the beauty and significance of everyday life. His work invites us to look closer at the world around us, to find art and meaning in the most unlikely places. In this sense, O’Hara’s poetry is not just a reflection of his own life and experiences; it is also an invitation to see our own lives as works of art.
from “A True Account of Talking to the Sun at Fire Island”
The Sun woke me this morning loud
and clear, saying “Hey! I’ve been
trying to wake you up for fifteen
minutes. Don’t be so rude, you are
only the second poet I’ve ever chosen
to speak to personally
so why
aren’t you more attentive? If I could
burn you through the window I would
to wake you up. I can’t hang around
here all day.”
“Sorry, Sun, I stayed
up late last night talking to Hal.”
-Frank O’Hara
Curated by Jennifer
