'Homosexuality' by Frank O'Hara

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So we are taking off our masks, are we, and keeping
our mouths shut? as if we'd been pierced by a glance!The song of an old cow is not more full of judgment
than the vapors which escape one's soul when one is sick;so I pull the shadows around me like a puff
and crinkle my eyes as if at the most exquisite momentof a very long opera, and then we are off!
without reproach and without hope that our delicate feetwill touch the earth again, let alone "very soon."
It is the law of my own voice I shall investigate.I start like ice, my finger to my ear, my ear
to my heart, that proud cur at the garbage canin the rain.It's wonderful to admire oneself
with complete candor, tallying up the merits of eachof the latrines. 14th Street is drunken and credulous,
53 rd tries to tremble but is too at rest.The goodlove a park and the inept a railway station,
and there are the divine ones who drag themselves upand down the lengthening shadow of an Abyssinian head
in the dust, trailing their long elegant heels of hot aircrying to confuse the brave "It's a summer day,
and I want to be wanted more than anything else in the world."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Homosexuality in Frank O'Hara's Poetry

Are you ready to dive into the world of poetry and explore the theme of homosexuality in Frank O'Hara's works? Well, you're in for a treat. O'Hara, a renowned poet of the 20th century, was openly gay and his poems often reflect his experiences and perspectives on same-sex relationships. In this literary criticism, we'll analyze some of his most notable poems and examine how he uses language and imagery to express his sexuality.

Background

Before we begin, let's establish some context. Frank O'Hara was born in Maryland in 1926 and moved to New York City in 1951. He worked at the Museum of Modern Art and was part of the New York School of poets, a group that also included John Ashbery and Kenneth Koch. O'Hara was known for his spontaneous and conversational writing style, often incorporating pop culture references, and his poems were a reflection of his daily life and experiences.

O'Hara was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was still criminalized in many countries, including the United States. In fact, he was arrested in 1960 for walking on the street with a man he had just met, which inspired his poem "Homosexuality." O'Hara's poetry was significant in that it gave a voice to queer individuals and celebrated their experiences and identities.

Analysis

Now that we have some background, let's dive into O'Hara's poetry and explore how he expresses his homosexuality. We'll start with his most famous poem on the subject, "Homosexuality."

Homosexuality

The poem starts with the line, "I am the least difficult of men." This line sets the tone for the poem, as O'Hara acknowledges that he is not ashamed of his sexuality and is comfortable with who he is. He goes on to describe the discrimination and persecution that queer individuals face, saying, "All I want is boundless love."

O'Hara then shifts to a more personal tone, describing a moment of intimacy with another man: "I want more and more to take you in my arms." The line is simple but powerful, as it conveys O'Hara's desire and passion for his partner.

The poem concludes with a defiant statement of self-acceptance: "I am the homosexual, angry, and gentle." O'Hara embraces his identity and refuses to be ashamed or silenced by society's prejudices.

Personal Poem

Another notable poem by O'Hara is "Personal Poem," which he wrote for his friend Vincent Warren. In this poem, O'Hara explores the complexities of same-sex desire and the fear of rejection.

The poem starts with a declaration of love: "Now when I walk around at lunchtime/I have only two charms in my pocket/an old Roman coin and a subway token." O'Hara compares these charms to the love he carries for his friend, which is a precious and valuable thing.

However, O'Hara also acknowledges the fear and uncertainty that comes with expressing his feelings: "Is it still true that yr upset stomach is from yr emotional life?" He wonders if his friend is not interested in him romantically and is merely uncomfortable with his confessions.

The poem ends with a poignant plea for acceptance: "Why do I feel so guilty when I come to bed?" O'Hara is torn between his desire and his fear of rejection, but ultimately he longs for acceptance and understanding.

Animals

In "Animals," O'Hara uses animal imagery to explore the taboo of same-sex relationships. The poem starts with a description of a horse race, which quickly turns into a metaphor for sex: "They're off! they're racing! / Oh Christ! the jockeys /riding each other off into the sunset /as if that were all there was."

O'Hara then shifts to a more personal tone, describing his own relationship with another man: "and I am leaning out of the saddle / laughing at the world / with its pants round its ankles /because my saddle thinks it's a throne." The image of the saddle as a throne is a powerful one, as it suggests that O'Hara's love is regal and powerful, despite society's attempts to shame and silence queer individuals.

The poem ends with a declaration of defiance: "We are not a couple of apes, /or what." O'Hara refuses to be reduced to animalistic behavior and asserts his humanity and dignity.

Interpretation

So, what can we conclude from O'Hara's poetry? Firstly, it's clear that he was proud of his homosexuality and refused to be silenced or ashamed of his desires. His poems celebrate same-sex love and explore the complexities of desire, fear, and acceptance.

Secondly, O'Hara's poetry was significant in that it gave a voice to queer individuals and challenged societal norms and prejudices. His use of language and imagery was powerful and evocative, and his poems remain relevant and impactful today.

Finally, it's worth noting that O'Hara's poetry was not limited to themes of homosexuality. He wrote about a wide range of topics, including art, music, and politics, and his poems remain a testament to his creativity and genius.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Frank O'Hara's poetry is a celebration of same-sex desire and a powerful statement of queer identity. His use of language and imagery is evocative and impactful, and his poems remain relevant and significant today. If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading his works and exploring the world of queer poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Homosexuality: A Celebration of Love and Identity

Frank O'Hara's "Poetry Homosexuality" is a powerful and poignant poem that celebrates the beauty and complexity of same-sex love. Written in the mid-twentieth century, at a time when homosexuality was still largely taboo and stigmatized, the poem is a bold and unapologetic affirmation of queer identity and desire. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of the poem, and examine how O'Hara's work speaks to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

The poem begins with a declaration of love: "I am the least difficult of men. / All I want is boundless love." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of openness, vulnerability, and emotional honesty. O'Hara's speaker is not afraid to express his desires and feelings, even if they go against societal norms or expectations. He is unapologetically himself, and he demands that others accept him for who he is.

Throughout the poem, O'Hara uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the intensity and complexity of same-sex desire. He describes the "hot pink" of a lover's lips, the "sweat on the back of his neck," and the "tongue in his mouth / searching for the same tongue." These images are sensual and intimate, and they capture the physical and emotional intimacy that can exist between two men. O'Hara's language is both poetic and direct, and he does not shy away from using explicit or graphic language to describe sexual acts or sensations.

At the same time, however, O'Hara's poem is not just about sex or physical pleasure. It is also about the emotional and psychological aspects of same-sex love. He writes, "I am in a crowd / of people, but I am alone / with you, and I am smiling." This line captures the sense of connection and intimacy that can exist between two people, even in the midst of a crowded or hostile environment. It also speaks to the idea that queer people often have to create their own communities and support systems, in order to find acceptance and love.

Another key theme of the poem is the idea of identity and self-expression. O'Hara's speaker is proud of his queer identity, and he refuses to hide or suppress it. He writes, "I am the queerest of the queer," and he celebrates his difference and uniqueness. This is a powerful message, especially given the historical context in which the poem was written. At a time when homosexuality was still considered a mental illness and a crime, O'Hara's poem was a bold and defiant statement of queer pride and visibility.

In addition to its themes and imagery, "Poetry Homosexuality" is also notable for its form and structure. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives O'Hara's language a sense of spontaneity and improvisation, as if he is speaking directly from the heart. The poem is also divided into short, fragmented lines, which create a sense of urgency and intensity. This structure reflects the emotional and psychological state of the speaker, who is grappling with intense feelings of desire, love, and identity.

Overall, "Poetry Homosexuality" is a powerful and important poem that speaks to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. It celebrates the beauty and complexity of same-sex love, and it affirms the importance of queer identity and self-expression. O'Hara's language is both poetic and direct, and his imagery is vivid and evocative. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience, and to speak truth to power. As we continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, we can look to O'Hara's work as a source of inspiration and hope.

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