'Ave Maria' by Frank O'Hara


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Mothers of America
let your kids go to the movies
get them out of the house so they won't
know what you're up to
it's true that fresh air is good for the body
but what about the soul
that grows in darkness, embossed by
silvery images
and when you grow old as grow old you
must
they won't hate you
they won't criticize you they won't know
they'll be in some glamorous
country
they first saw on a Saturday afternoon or
playing hookey
they may even be grateful to you
for their first sexual experience
which only cost you a quarter
and didn't upset the peaceful
home
they will know where candy bars come
from
and gratuitous bags of popcorn
as gratuitous as leaving the movie before
it's over
with a pleasant stranger whose apartment
is in the Heaven on
Earth Bldg
near the Williamsburg Bridge
oh mothers you will have made
the little
tykes
so happy because if nobody does pick
them up in the movies
they won't know the difference
and if somebody does it'll be
sheer gravy
and they'll have been truly entertained
either way
instead of hanging around the yard
or up in their room hating you
prematurely since you won't have done
anything horribly mean
yet
except keeping them from life's darker joys
it's unforgivable the latter
so don't blame me if you won't take this
advice
and the family breaks up
and your children grow old and blind in
front of a TV set
seeing
movies you wouldn't let them see when
they were young

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ave Maria: A Poem That Celebrates the Beauty of Life

Frank O'Hara's "Ave Maria" is a beautiful and introspective poem that celebrates the beauty of life and the simplicity of existence. The piece is composed of six stanzas, each with six lines, and the overall rhythm and structure of the poem are reminiscent of a prayer, which is fitting given the title. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in "Ave Maria" and examine how they contribute to the poem's overall message.

Themes

At its core, "Ave Maria" is a poem about finding beauty and meaning in the everyday. O'Hara uses vivid imagery and sensory details to describe the world around him, highlighting the simple pleasures of life. The poem is full of references to nature, music, and art, all of which serve to remind the reader of the beauty and wonder of the world.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of connection. O'Hara writes about feeling a sense of unity with the world around him, as well as with the people in his life. He describes a moment of spiritual transcendence in which he feels connected to something greater than himself. This theme is particularly evident in the final stanza, in which O'Hara writes about feeling "one with the air" and "one with the earth."

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Ave Maria" is the vivid and evocative imagery that O'Hara uses throughout the poem. He uses a wide range of sensory details, from the smell of lilacs to the sound of a siren, to paint a rich and vibrant picture of the world.

The imagery in the poem is also highly symbolic. O'Hara frequently references nature as a way of exploring deeper truths about life and existence. For example, in the second stanza, he writes about "chrysanthemums blossoming on the hillside," a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and death. In the fourth stanza, he describes the sky as "a deep blue inkwell," a symbol of the vastness and mystery of the universe.

Literary Devices

O'Hara employs a number of literary devices in "Ave Maria" to enhance the poem's impact and meaning. One of the most notable is the use of repetition. Throughout the poem, O'Hara repeats certain phrases and images, creating a sense of rhythm and unity. For example, the phrase "life is beautiful" appears twice in the poem, emphasizing the central message of the piece.

Another important literary device in the poem is the use of enjambment. O'Hara frequently continues a sentence or thought across multiple lines, creating a sense of movement and fluidity. This technique is particularly effective in the final stanza, where O'Hara's thoughts and ideas seem to spill out over the page, reflecting the sense of spiritual transcendence he is experiencing.

Interpretation

At its heart, "Ave Maria" is a poem about finding beauty and meaning in the world around us. O'Hara celebrates the simple pleasures of life, from the smell of flowers to the sound of music, and encourages us to appreciate these small moments of joy. The poem also encourages us to connect with the world and the people around us, to find a sense of unity and belonging in the larger scheme of things.

There is a sense of spirituality and transcendence in the poem, as O'Hara describes feeling at one with nature and the universe. This sense of connection and unity is perhaps the poem's most powerful message, reminding us that we are all part of something greater than ourselves.

In conclusion, "Ave Maria" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that celebrates the beauty of life and encourages us to find meaning in the everyday. O'Hara's use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and literary devices make the poem a rich and rewarding experience, and its message of unity and connection is one that will resonate with readers long after the poem has ended.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Ave Maria: A Poem of Love and Devotion

Frank O'Hara's Ave Maria is a classic poem that captures the essence of love and devotion. The poem is a beautiful expression of the poet's feelings towards his lover, and it is a testament to the power of love to transcend time and space. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, whom he calls "my love." The use of the possessive pronoun "my" suggests a deep sense of ownership and attachment to the lover. The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of the night sky, saying that it is "full of stars." This imagery sets the tone for the poem, which is one of wonder and awe.

The next line of the poem is "and all the stars are shining." This line is significant because it suggests that the stars are not just there, but they are actively shining. This personification of the stars adds to the sense of wonder and magic that the poem evokes.

The speaker then goes on to say that he is "thinking of you." This line is crucial because it establishes the central theme of the poem, which is the speaker's love for his lover. The fact that the speaker is thinking of his lover while looking at the stars suggests that his love is as vast and infinite as the universe itself.

The next line of the poem is "I am simply loving you." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker's love is uncomplicated and pure. There are no conditions or expectations attached to it; it is simply a pure expression of love.

The speaker then goes on to say that he is "saying the Ave Maria." The Ave Maria is a prayer to the Virgin Mary, and it is often associated with love and devotion. The fact that the speaker is saying this prayer while thinking of his lover suggests that his love is not just physical but spiritual as well.

The next line of the poem is "I am saying it to myself." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker's love is not just directed towards his lover but towards himself as well. The act of saying the Ave Maria to oneself is a form of self-love and self-care, which is essential for any healthy relationship.

The speaker then goes on to say that he is "saying it slowly." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is taking his time with the prayer, savoring each word and phrase. This attention to detail and mindfulness is essential for any meaningful relationship.

The next line of the poem is "but with you in my heart." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker's love for his lover is not just a physical or emotional attachment but a spiritual one as well. The fact that his lover is in his heart while he says the prayer suggests that their love is transcendent and eternal.

The speaker then goes on to say that he is "saying it in the dark." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker's love is not just a public display but a private one as well. The fact that he is saying the prayer in the dark suggests that their love is intimate and personal.

The next line of the poem is "and I am very happy." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker's love for his lover brings him joy and happiness. The fact that he is happy while saying the prayer suggests that their love is a source of comfort and solace for him.

The final line of the poem is "How well I know that I am loved." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker's love for his lover is reciprocated. The fact that he knows he is loved suggests that their love is mutual and equal.

In conclusion, Frank O'Hara's Ave Maria is a beautiful expression of love and devotion. The poem captures the essence of the speaker's feelings towards his lover, and it is a testament to the power of love to transcend time and space. The themes, imagery, and language used in the poem all contribute to its deeper meaning, which is that love is a spiritual and transcendent force that brings joy and happiness to those who experience it.

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