'Morning' by Frank O'Hara


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I've got to tell you
how I love you always
I think of it on grey
mornings with deathin my mouth the tea
is never hot enough
then and the cigarette
dry the maroon robechills me I need you
and look out the window
at the noiseless snowAt night on the dock
the buses glow like
clouds and I am lonely
thinking of flutesI miss you always
when I go to the beach
the sand is wet with
tears that seem minealthough I never weep
and hold you in my
heart with a very real
humor you'd be proud ofthe parking lot is
crowded and I stand
rattling my keys the car
is empty as a bicyclewhat are you doing now
where did you eat your
lunch and were there
lots of anchovies itis difficult to think
of you without me in
the sentence you depress
me when you are aloneLast night the stars
were numerous and today
snow is their calling
card I'll not be cordialthere is nothing that
distracts me music is
only a crossword puzzle
do you know how it iswhen you are the only
passenger if there is a
place further from me
I beg you do not go

Editor 1 Interpretation

Morning: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Frank O'Hara's poem "Morning" is a rich and complex work of art that invites the reader to explore the many layers of meaning and symbolism that are woven into its lines. Written in 1957, the poem is a celebration of the beauty and vitality of life, expressed through the lens of the poet's personal experience and perspective.

An Overview of the Poem

"Morning" is a free-verse poem consisting of 23 lines, divided into four stanzas. The poem is written in the first-person voice of the poet, who describes his experiences and observations during a morning walk through the city.

The opening stanza sets the tone for the poem, as the speaker awakens to the sounds of the city and the promise of a new day. The second stanza is a vivid description of the sights and sounds that the speaker encounters as he walks through the city streets, from the "purple and yellow flowers" of a garden to the "chirping gossip" of birds.

In the third stanza, the tone shifts slightly as the speaker reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. However, this reflection is quickly followed by a reaffirmation of the joy and beauty of life, as the speaker revels in the "cool taste of watermelon" and the "grinning sunlight" of the morning.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the speaker describes his return home and the resumption of his daily routine. However, even in this mundane moment, there is a sense of wonder and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.

The Use of Imagery

One of the most striking features of "Morning" is the vivid and evocative imagery that O'Hara employs throughout the poem. The poem is filled with sensory details that bring the city and its inhabitants to life, from the "smell of coffee and eggs" to the "blue sailboat" of a passing cloud.

These images serve several purposes in the poem. First, they create a sense of immediacy and intensity, drawing the reader into the world of the poem and immersing them in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. Second, they convey the richness and diversity of life, suggesting that even the most mundane moments are filled with beauty and wonder.

The Theme of Transience

Another key theme of "Morning" is the idea of transience, or the fleeting nature of life. This theme is introduced in the third stanza, where the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death and the passing of time. However, even in this moment of contemplation, there is a sense of acceptance and appreciation for the brief and precious nature of life.

This theme is reinforced throughout the poem by the use of imagery and language that suggests the passing of time. For example, the speaker describes the "white buildings" of the city as being "washed by a rainstorm" and the "green leaves" of the trees as being "tired" and "ready to die." These images suggest the impermanence of all things, and the need to appreciate and savor each moment.

The Role of the Speaker

As a first-person poem, "Morning" is heavily influenced by the voice and perspective of the poet himself. The speaker is clearly identified as O'Hara, and much of the imagery and language in the poem is drawn from his personal experience and observation.

This personal perspective is particularly evident in the second stanza, where the speaker describes the details of the city that he encounters on his walk. From the "yellow cat" that "stretches itself" to the "stupid faces" of the people on the street, the speaker's observations are specific and intimate, inviting the reader into the world of the poem.

At the same time, however, the speaker's voice is also reflective and philosophical, as he considers the broader themes of life, death, and the passage of time. This combination of personal observation and philosophical reflection gives the poem a unique and compelling voice, one that speaks to both the individual and the universal.

The Use of Form

Finally, it is worth noting the use of form in "Morning." Like many of O'Hara's poems, "Morning" is written in free verse, without any strict meter or rhyme scheme. This allows the poem to flow naturally, following the rhythms of the speaker's thoughts and observations.

At the same time, however, the poem also has a sense of structure and balance, with each stanza contributing to the overall theme and mood of the poem. This balance is particularly evident in the final stanza, where the poem comes full circle, returning the speaker to his starting point and bringing the poem to a satisfying close.

Conclusion

In "Morning," Frank O'Hara has created a rich and vibrant poem that celebrates the beauty and vitality of life, while also acknowledging its transience and impermanence. Through the use of vivid imagery, personal observation, and philosophical reflection, O'Hara invites the reader into the world of the poem, inviting them to see the world through his eyes and to appreciate the small moments of joy and wonder that make life worth living.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Morning: A Celebration of Life and Art

Frank O'Hara's "Poetry Morning" is a poem that celebrates the beauty of life and the power of art. It is a joyous and exuberant piece that captures the essence of the creative spirit and the magic of the world around us. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of the poem, and examine how they work together to create a powerful and uplifting experience for the reader.

The poem begins with the speaker waking up early in the morning, feeling refreshed and energized. He describes the world around him as "bright and new," and he is filled with a sense of wonder and excitement. This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of joy and enthusiasm for life.

As the speaker goes about his day, he encounters various people and experiences that inspire him. He sees a woman walking her dog, and he is struck by the beauty of their interaction. He watches a man playing the piano, and he is moved by the power of music. He even sees a group of construction workers, and he finds beauty in their hard work and dedication.

Throughout the poem, the speaker is constantly reminded of the power of art to transform the world around us. He sees beauty in the mundane, and he finds inspiration in the most unexpected places. This is perhaps best exemplified in the following lines:

"the sun is out and the sky is blue and everything is dancing with joy"

Here, the speaker is describing a moment of pure joy and happiness, where everything around him seems to be alive and dancing. This is a powerful image that captures the essence of the poem, which is a celebration of life and art.

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry Morning" is its use of language. O'Hara's writing is playful and experimental, and he uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, he often uses repetition and alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem. This is evident in lines such as:

"the sun is out and the sky is blue"

Here, the repetition of the "s" sound creates a sense of movement and energy, which mirrors the dancing and joy that the speaker is describing.

Another technique that O'Hara uses is enjambment, which is the continuation of a sentence or phrase across multiple lines. This creates a sense of fluidity and movement, and it allows the poem to flow seamlessly from one idea to the next. This is evident in lines such as:

"the dog is walking with his master and the piano is playing itself"

Here, the sentence continues across two lines, which creates a sense of connection between the two images. It also allows the reader to pause and reflect on each image before moving on to the next.

The imagery in "Poetry Morning" is also incredibly powerful. O'Hara uses vivid and evocative descriptions to create a sense of the world around us. For example, he describes the sky as "blue as a robin's egg," which creates a clear and vivid image in the reader's mind. He also describes the construction workers as "giants with hammers," which creates a sense of strength and power.

Perhaps the most powerful image in the poem is the final one, where the speaker describes himself as "a new man." This image captures the essence of the poem, which is a celebration of the transformative power of art. Through his experiences throughout the day, the speaker has been transformed, and he is now a new person, filled with joy and wonder.

In conclusion, "Poetry Morning" is a powerful and uplifting poem that celebrates the beauty of life and the power of art. Through its use of language, imagery, and themes, it creates a sense of joy and excitement that is infectious. It reminds us that even in the most mundane moments of our lives, there is beauty and inspiration to be found. It is a poem that celebrates the human spirit and the magic of the world around us, and it is a testament to the power of art to transform our lives.

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