'Song (Did you see me walking by the Buick Repairs?)' by Frank O'Hara


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Did you see me walking by the Buick Repairs?
I was thinking of you
having a Coke in the heat it was your face
I saw on the movie magazine, no it was Fabian's
I was thinking of you
and down at the railroad tracks where the station
has mysteriously disappeared
I was thinking of you
as the bus pulled away in the twilight
I was thinking of you
and right now


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Song (Did you see me walking by the Buick Repairs?) by Frank O'Hara

This is a poem that has been praised for its simplicity and carefree nature, but also for the way it captures a moment in time. It is a poem that is full of life and energy, which makes it one of the most beloved poems of its time.

Overview of the Poem

The poem is written in free verse, and it is divided into five stanzas. Each stanza is composed of a different number of lines, and there is no consistent rhyme scheme. The poem is written in the first person, and the narrator is recounting a moment in his life when he saw someone he was interested in.

Interpretation of the Poem

The poem starts with the narrator asking a question, "Did you see me walking by the Buick Repairs?" This question is meant to draw the reader in and make them feel like they are part of the story. The narrator goes on to describe what he was doing and how he felt when he saw the person he was interested in.

The second stanza of the poem is where the narrator really starts to express his feelings. He talks about how he felt like he was in a movie, and how he was drawn to the person he saw. The use of the word "magical" in this stanza is particularly interesting, as it adds a sense of wonder and excitement to the poem.

In the third stanza, the narrator starts to describe the person he saw. He talks about how they were "slenderly, languorously beautiful," which is a very poetic way of describing someone. This description also gives us an idea of what the narrator finds attractive in a person.

The fourth stanza is where the poem starts to take a turn. The narrator talks about how he wanted to talk to the person he saw, but he was too shy. This is a very relatable feeling, and it makes the narrator seem more human and vulnerable.

The final stanza is where the poem comes full circle. The narrator asks the question again, "Did you see me walking by the Buick Repairs?" This repetition is very effective because it brings the poem back to the beginning, and it also highlights the narrator's desire to be noticed by the person he saw.

Analysis of the Poem

One of the most striking things about this poem is its use of language. The language is very simple and straightforward, but there are also moments of poetic beauty. For example, the way the narrator describes the person he saw as "slenderly, languorously beautiful" is very poetic and adds to the overall mood of the poem.

The poem is also very effective at capturing a moment in time. The narrator's description of how he felt when he saw the person he was interested in is very vivid and makes the reader feel like they are experiencing the moment with him.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way it deals with desire. The narrator is clearly infatuated with the person he saw, but he is also too shy to approach them. This creates a sense of tension in the poem, which adds to its overall emotional impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Song (Did you see me walking by the Buick Repairs?) is a beautiful poem that captures a moment in time and deals with themes of desire and vulnerability. The use of language is simple but effective, and the repetition of the opening question creates a sense of circularity that adds to the poem's overall impact. This is a poem that has stood the test of time and continues to be beloved by readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Song (Did you see me walking by the Buick Repairs?) is a classic poem written by Frank O'Hara, an American poet and art critic. The poem was first published in 1959 in his collection titled "Lunch Poems". The poem is a perfect example of O'Hara's style of writing, which is characterized by its spontaneity, wit, and humor. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem is a first-person narrative, where the speaker is addressing someone who he assumes has seen him walking by the Buick Repairs. The poem begins with the speaker asking the question, "Did you see me walking by the Buick Repairs?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of urgency and excitement. The speaker seems to be in a hurry to get somewhere, and he wants to make sure that the person he is addressing has seen him.

The poem is filled with vivid imagery, which helps to create a sense of place and atmosphere. The Buick Repairs is a real place, and it is located in New York City. The speaker is walking by this place, and he describes the scene in detail. He talks about the "dirty doors" and the "greasy windows" of the repair shop. He also mentions the "black t-shirted men" who are working on the cars. All of these details help to create a sense of place and atmosphere, and they also help to establish the speaker's character.

The poem is also filled with humor and wit. The speaker is a witty and sarcastic character, and he uses his humor to comment on the world around him. For example, he describes the "black t-shirted men" as "beautiful as cows", which is a humorous and ironic comment on their physical appearance. He also describes the "dirty doors" and the "greasy windows" as "artistic" and "delicate", which is a sarcastic comment on the state of the repair shop.

The poem is also filled with themes that are common in O'Hara's work. One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of urban life and the city. The speaker is walking through the city, and he is surrounded by the noise and chaos of urban life. He describes the "sirens" and the "traffic" that he hears as he walks. This theme of urban life is a common one in O'Hara's work, and it reflects his love for the city and its energy.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of identity and self-expression. The speaker is a unique and individual character, and he expresses himself through his clothing and his attitude. He describes himself as wearing a "yellow cotton shirt" and "khaki pants", which are not typical clothing choices for a man in the 1950s. This idea of self-expression is a common theme in O'Hara's work, and it reflects his belief in the importance of individuality and creativity.

The language of the poem is also worth exploring. O'Hara's writing style is characterized by its spontaneity and its use of everyday language. He uses simple and direct language to convey complex ideas and emotions. For example, he describes the "black t-shirted men" as "beautiful as cows", which is a simple and direct way of expressing his admiration for their physical appearance. He also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. For example, he repeats the phrase "Did you see me" throughout the poem, which creates a sense of urgency and excitement.

In conclusion, Song (Did you see me walking by the Buick Repairs?) is a classic poem that is filled with humor, wit, and vivid imagery. The poem explores themes of urban life, identity, and self-expression, and it reflects O'Hara's unique writing style. The poem is a perfect example of O'Hara's ability to use simple and direct language to convey complex ideas and emotions. It is a poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it continues to be a favorite among readers and critics alike.

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