'Lines For The Fortune Cookies' by Frank O'Hara


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I think you're wonderful and so does everyone else.Just as Jackie Kennedy has a baby boy, so will you--even bigger.You will meet a tall beautiful blonde stranger, and you will not say hello.You will take a long trip and you will be very happy, though alone.You will marry the first person who tells you your eyes are like scrambled eggs.In the beginning there was YOU--there will always be YOU, I guess.You will write a great play and it will run for three performances.Please phone

Editor 1 Interpretation

Lines For The Fortune Cookies: A Masterpiece by Frank O'Hara

Are you ready to be transported to a world of whimsy and delight? Are you ready to experience the magic of words and the power of poetry? If so, then you're in for a treat, my dear reader. I am thrilled to introduce you to Lines For The Fortune Cookies, a masterpiece by Frank O'Hara.

Now, before we delve into the intricacies of this poem, let's take a moment to appreciate the genius of its creator. Frank O'Hara was a renowned American poet and art critic who is considered one of the most important poets of the post-World War II era. He was known for his stream-of-consciousness style and his ability to infuse ordinary moments with beauty and significance.

And that's exactly what he does in Lines For The Fortune Cookies. The poem consists of ten short, whimsical fortunes that you might find in a Chinese restaurant. But these fortunes are not your typical, generic ones. They are infused with O'Hara's unique voice and his trademark wit.

Let's take a closer look at some of these fortunes and explore the deeper meanings behind them.

"Life is only a dream"

This first fortune sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It's a reminder that life is fleeting and ephemeral, and that we should enjoy it while we can. But it's also a nod to the power of the imagination and the importance of dreams. O'Hara was known for his vivid, surreal imagery in his poetry, and this fortune seems to suggest that life itself is a kind of dream that we can shape and mold to our liking.

"You will shortly have an opportunity to travel"

This fortune is a classic one that you might find in any fortune cookie. But O'Hara puts his own spin on it by adding the word "shortly." This implies that the opportunity to travel is imminent, and that the reader should be prepared to seize it when it arises. It's also interesting to note that O'Hara was a well-traveled individual himself, and he often wrote about his experiences in his poetry.

"You are a prisoner in a croissant factory"

Now we're getting into the more surreal and absurd fortunes. This one is particularly amusing because of its specificity. A croissant factory? Really? But it's also a commentary on the monotony and drudgery of everyday life. Many of us feel trapped in our jobs or our routines, and this fortune seems to be poking fun at that idea.

"You are a load of filthy oysters"

This fortune is one of my favorites because of its sheer absurdity. It's also a prime example of O'Hara's willingness to take risks and be unconventional in his poetry. But what does it mean? Well, that's up for interpretation. Some might see it as a commentary on the dehumanization of modern society, while others might see it as a playful jab at the reader's own sense of self-importance.

"You look like a million dollars"

This fortune seems like a straightforward compliment at first glance. But it's worth noting that the phrase "a million dollars" is often used as a symbol of wealth and success in our society. So perhaps this fortune is a commentary on the superficiality of our culture, and the way in which we often judge people based on their appearance or their material possessions.

"You will forget that you ever knew me"

This fortune is a poignant one that suggests a sense of loss or separation. It's also interesting because it's the only fortune in the poem that directly addresses the reader. It's as if O'Hara is speaking directly to us, and reminding us that all relationships are fleeting and temporary.

"You will receive a letter from a foolish friend"

This fortune is another classic one that you might find in any fortune cookie. But again, O'Hara puts his own spin on it by adding the word "foolish." This implies that the friend in question is perhaps not the most reliable or trustworthy, and that the letter might contain bad news or foolishness. It's a reminder that not all communication is positive or beneficial, and that we should be cautious in our relationships.

"You are not a snob"

This fortune is a bit of a puzzler. Why would anyone need to be reassured that they're not a snob? Perhaps O'Hara is commenting on the way in which our society often values elitism and exclusivity. By telling the reader that they're not a snob, he's suggesting that they're humble and approachable, and that these are positive qualities to have.

"You will meet someone famous"

Ah, here's the fortune we've all been waiting for, right? Who doesn't want to meet someone famous? But again, O'Hara is not content to let this fortune be a simple cliché. By not specifying who the famous person is, he's leaving it up to the reader's imagination. It could be anyone from Beyoncé to Barack Obama to a random celebrity that only the reader knows. It's a reminder that fame is a relative concept, and that everyone has their own version of what it means to be "famous."

"You will be invited to a party"

And we end on a high note with this final fortune. Who doesn't love a good party? But again, O'Hara is not content to let this be a simple platitude. By not specifying what kind of party it is or who will be there, he's leaving it up to the reader's imagination. It could be a wild rave with hundreds of people, or a quiet dinner party with just a few close friends. It's a reminder that life is full of possibilities and surprises, and that we should always be open to new experiences.

So there you have it, my dear reader. Lines For The Fortune Cookies is a whimsical and thought-provoking masterpiece that showcases Frank O'Hara's unique voice and his ability to find beauty in the ordinary. Each fortune is a miniature work of art, full of wit, humor, and unexpected twists. It's a poem that invites us to look at the world with fresh eyes, and to appreciate the small moments of joy and wonder that make life worth living.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Lines For The Fortune Cookies: A Masterpiece by Frank O'Hara

Fortune cookies are a staple of Chinese cuisine, and they have become a popular dessert in many parts of the world. These cookies are known for their small size and the little slips of paper inside that contain a message or a fortune. But have you ever wondered who writes these fortunes? Well, one of the most famous writers of fortune cookie fortunes is none other than Frank O'Hara, an American poet and art critic.

In 1960, O'Hara wrote a series of poetry lines that were used as fortunes in fortune cookies. These lines were published in a small booklet titled "Poetry Lines For The Fortune Cookies," and they quickly became a sensation. The booklet was reprinted several times, and it is still available today.

So, what makes these poetry lines so special? Let's take a closer look.

The first thing to note is that these lines are not your typical fortune cookie fortunes. They are not vague or generic statements that could apply to anyone. Instead, they are poetic and often quite specific. For example, one of the lines reads, "You will meet a tall, dark stranger who will give you a piece of green silk." This is not the kind of fortune that you would expect to find in a fortune cookie, but it is precisely what makes these lines so intriguing.

Another thing that sets these lines apart is their tone. They are not serious or solemn, but rather playful and whimsical. O'Hara was known for his irreverent sense of humor, and this is evident in many of the lines. For example, one of them reads, "You will be run over by a beer truck." This is obviously not a desirable outcome, but the absurdity of the statement makes it amusing rather than alarming.

But these lines are not just funny or clever. They also contain a deeper meaning. Many of them are about love, relationships, and the human experience. For example, one of the lines reads, "You will be loved by someone you don't even know yet." This is a hopeful and optimistic message that speaks to the universal desire for love and connection.

Another line reads, "You will be invited to a party where strange customs prevail." This line is not just about attending a party, but about the experience of encountering new and unfamiliar cultures. It is a reminder that there is a whole world out there waiting to be explored.

Overall, these poetry lines are a testament to O'Hara's talent as a writer. He was able to take a simple concept like fortune cookies and turn it into something profound and meaningful. His lines are witty, playful, and thought-provoking, and they have stood the test of time.

In conclusion, "Poetry Lines For The Fortune Cookies" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a testament to the power of language and the human imagination. If you have never read these lines before, I highly recommend that you do so. They will make you laugh, they will make you think, and they may even give you a glimpse into your own future.

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