'Meditations In An Emergency' by Frank O'Hara
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Am I to become profligate as if I were a blonde? Or religious
as if I were French?
Each time my heart is broken it makes me feel more adventurous
(and how the same names keep recurring on that interminable
list!), but one of these days there'll be nothing left with
which to venture forth.
Why should I share you? Why don't you get rid of someone else
for a change?
I am the least difficult of men. All I want is boundless love.
Even trees understand me! Good heavens, I lie under them, too,
don't I? I'm just like a pile of leaves.
However, I have never clogged myself with the praises of
pastoral life, nor with nostalgia for an innocent past of
perverted acts in pastures. No. One need never leave the
confines of New York to get all the greenery one wishes--I can't
even enjoy a blade of grass unless i know there's a subway
handy, or a record store or some other sign that people do not
totally _regret_ life. It is more important to affirm the
least sincere; the clouds get enough attention as it is and
even they continue to pass. Do they know what they're missing?
Uh huh.
My eyes are vague blue, like the sky, and change all the time;
they are indiscriminate but fleeting, entirely specific and
disloyal, so that no one trusts me. I am always looking away.
Or again at something after it has given me up. It makes me
restless and that makes me unhappy, but I cannot keep them
still. If only i had grey, green, black, brown, yellow eyes; I
would stay at home and do something. It's not that I'm
curious. On the contrary, I am bored but it's my duty to be
attentive, I am needed by things as the sky must be above the
earth. And lately, so great has _their_ anxiety become, I can
spare myself little sleep.
Now there is only one man I like to kiss when he is unshaven.
Heterosexuality! you are inexorably approaching. (How best
discourage her?)
St. Serapion, I wrap myself in the robes of your whiteness
which is like midnight in Dostoevsky. How I am to become a
legend, my dear? I've tried love, but that holds you in the
bosom of another and I'm always springing forth from it like
the lotus--the ecstasy of always bursting forth! (but one must
not be distracted by it!) or like a hyacinth, "to keep the
filth of life away," yes, even in the heart, where the filth is
pumped in and slanders and pollutes and determines. I will my
will, though I may become famous for a mysterious vacancy in
that department, that greenhouse.
Destroy yourself, if you don't know!
It is easy to be beautiful; it is difficult to appear so. I
admire you, beloved, for the trap you've set. It's like a
final chapter no one reads because the plot is over.
"Fanny Brown is run away--scampered off with a Cornet of Horse;
I do love that little Minx, & hope She may be happy, tho' She
has vexed me by this exploit a little too.--Poor silly
Cecchina! or F:B: as we used to call her.--I wish She had a
good Whipping and 10,000 pounds."--Mrs. Thrale
I've got to get out of here. I choose a piece of shawl and my
dirtiest suntans. I'll be back, I'll re-emerge, defeated, from
the valley; you don't want me to go where you go, so I go where
you don't want me to. It's only afternoon, there's a lot
ahead. There won't be any mail downstairs. Turning, I spit in
the lock and the knob turns.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Meditations In An Emergency by Frank O'Hara
Oh, what a masterpiece we have here! Meditations In An Emergency, one of the most beloved poems of Frank O'Hara, is a work of art that deserves the utmost admiration and respect. Its vibrant language and emotional depth have captivated readers for decades and continue to do so to this day. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the themes, language, and literary devices used in this classic poem and explore its interpretation.
Background
First published in 1957, Meditations In An Emergency is a collection of poems by Frank O'Hara. The title poem, Meditations In An Emergency, is widely regarded as one of O'Hara's most significant works. The poem is a reflection on the turmoil and anxiety of the Cold War era, which was a time of great uncertainty and fear. O'Hara was a gay man living in New York City, and his writing often reflects the city's vibrancy and his own personal experiences.
Themes
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the fragility of life. The speaker is grappling with the pain of a failed relationship, and the fear of nuclear war that looms over everything. The poem is an exploration of the human condition in the face of uncertainty and destruction.
Throughout the poem, the speaker is searching for something to hold onto, some sense of stability in a world that is rapidly changing. He finds solace in the memories of his past, the people he has loved and lost, and the art and culture that surround him. The poem is a testament to the power of art and poetry to provide comfort and meaning in times of crisis.
Language
The language in Meditations In An Emergency is vibrant and evocative. O'Hara's use of sensory imagery transports the reader to the world he is describing. He uses vivid descriptions of the city, its people, and its culture to create a sense of place and atmosphere.
The language is also deeply personal. The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker's emotions are raw and unfiltered. O'Hara's use of colloquial language and slang gives the poem a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The reader feels as though they are inside the speaker's head, experiencing his thoughts and feelings firsthand.
Literary Devices
O'Hara employs a variety of literary devices to create a rich and complex work of art. The poem is structured as a series of free-verse stanzas, with no consistent rhyme or meter. This reflects the chaotic and uncertain world that the speaker is living in.
O'Hara also uses repetition to great effect in the poem. The phrase "I do this, I do that" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of routine and habit in the midst of chaos. The repetition of certain phrases and images also creates a sense of unity and coherence in the poem.
Interpretation
Meditations In An Emergency is a deeply personal and emotional poem that speaks to the human experience in times of crisis. The speaker's search for meaning and stability in a world of uncertainty is a universal theme that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
At its core, the poem is a celebration of life and love. The speaker is mourning the loss of a relationship, but he is also celebrating the memories and experiences he shared with his lover. He finds solace in the art and culture that surround him, in the city he calls home, and in his own personal history.
The poem is also a commentary on the political and social climate of the time. The fear of nuclear war hangs over everything, and the speaker is acutely aware of the fragility of life. The poem is a reminder that even in the face of destruction, there is still beauty and meaning to be found.
Conclusion
Meditations In An Emergency is a masterpiece of modern poetry, a work of art that speaks to the human experience in times of crisis. Its vivid language, personal tone, and universal themes make it a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today. Frank O'Hara's legacy lives on through this poem, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to provide comfort, meaning, and beauty in a world of chaos and uncertainty.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Meditations In An Emergency: A Poetic Masterpiece
Frank O'Hara's Meditations In An Emergency is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Written in 1957, it is a reflection of the poet's personal experiences and emotions, as well as a commentary on the society of the time. The poem is a masterpiece of modernist poetry, with its unique style, structure, and themes.
The poem is divided into three parts, each with its own distinct tone and theme. The first part is a reflection on the poet's personal life, with its joys and sorrows. The second part is a commentary on the society of the time, with its political and social issues. The third part is a meditation on the nature of art and poetry, and its role in society.
The first part of the poem is a reflection on the poet's personal life, with its joys and sorrows. The tone is intimate and confessional, as the poet shares his thoughts and feelings with the reader. The poem begins with the line "Am I to become profligate as if I were a blonde?" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the poet questions his own identity and purpose in life.
The poem then moves on to a reflection on love and relationships. The poet speaks of his love for a man named Vincent, and the pain of their separation. He also speaks of his love for New York City, and the joy it brings him. The tone is nostalgic and bittersweet, as the poet remembers the past and longs for what is lost.
The second part of the poem is a commentary on the society of the time, with its political and social issues. The tone is more critical and satirical, as the poet takes aim at the hypocrisy and corruption of the society. The poem begins with the line "Each time my heart is broken it makes me feel more adventurous." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the poet uses his personal experiences to comment on the larger issues of the society.
The poet speaks of the fear and paranoia of the Cold War, and the threat of nuclear annihilation. He also speaks of the racism and discrimination of the time, and the struggle for civil rights. The tone is angry and indignant, as the poet rails against the injustices of the society.
The third part of the poem is a meditation on the nature of art and poetry, and its role in society. The tone is more philosophical and reflective, as the poet contemplates the meaning of life and the purpose of art. The poem begins with the line "We are all beautiful machines." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the poet explores the idea of human beings as both biological and mechanical entities.
The poet speaks of the power of art to transcend the limitations of the physical world, and to connect us to something greater than ourselves. He also speaks of the importance of poetry in expressing the human experience, and in creating a sense of community and connection. The tone is hopeful and optimistic, as the poet celebrates the beauty and potential of the human spirit.
Overall, Meditations In An Emergency is a masterpiece of modernist poetry, with its unique style, structure, and themes. The poem is a reflection of the poet's personal experiences and emotions, as well as a commentary on the society of the time. It is a testament to the power of art and poetry to express the human experience, and to connect us to something greater than ourselves.
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