'Ave Maria' by Frank O'Hara
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Mothers of Americalet your kids go to the movies
get them out of the house so they won'tknow what you're up to
it's true that fresh air is good for the bodybut what about the soul
that grows in darkness, embossed bysilvery images
and when you grow old as grow old youmustthey won't hate you
they won't criticize you they won't knowthey'll be in some glamorouscountry
they first saw on a Saturday afternoon orplaying hookey
they may even be grateful to youfor their first sexual experience
which only cost you a quarterand didn't upset the peacefulhome
they will know where candy bars comefromand gratuitous bags of popcorn
as gratuitous as leaving the movie beforeit's over
with a pleasant stranger whose apartmentis in the Heaven onEarth Bldg
near the Williamsburg Bridgeoh mothers you will have madethe littletykes
so happy because if nobody does pickthem up in the movies
they won't know the differenceand if somebody does it'll besheer gravy
and they'll have been truly entertainedeither way
instead of hanging around the yardor up in their room hating you
prematurely since you won't have doneanything horribly meanyet
except keeping them from life's darker joysit's unforgivable the latter
so don't blame me if you won't take thisadviceand the family breaks up
and your children grow old and blind infront of a TV setseeing
movies you wouldn't let them see whenthey were young
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ave Maria by Frank O'Hara: An Exploration of Faith and Desire
When one thinks of Frank O'Hara, the first thing that comes to mind is probably his association with the New York School of poets, his clever and witty urban observations, and his ability to blend high and low culture seamlessly in his poetry. But beneath the surface of his work lies a deep spiritual yearning that is often overlooked. Nowhere is this more apparent than in his poem "Ave Maria," which explores the intersection of faith and desire in a way that is both honest and thought-provoking.
Background and Context
Before delving into the poem itself, it's useful to provide some context for O'Hara's life and work. O'Hara was born in Maryland in 1926, but spent most of his adult life in New York City, where he became an integral part of the avant-garde art scene. He worked at the Museum of Modern Art for many years, and his poetry often reflects his love for visual art and his deep connections to the artists of his time.
O'Hara was openly gay at a time when it was still considered taboo, and his sexuality is an important part of his work. He often writes about desire and intimacy in a way that is frank and unapologetic, and his poetry is known for its sensual and sometimes explicit imagery.
At the same time, O'Hara was deeply interested in spirituality and religion. He was raised Catholic and attended Mass regularly throughout his life, even as he struggled with the church's teachings on sexuality and morality. Ave Maria, then, can be seen as a reflection of these conflicting impulses - the desire for physical pleasure and the longing for spiritual fulfillment.
Analysis
The poem begins with a direct address to the Virgin Mary: "Ave Maria, you have come to me in dreams / and taken me by the hand." The use of the Latin phrase "Ave Maria" immediately establishes a tone of reverence and piety, while also creating a sense of distance from the reader. The speaker is addressing a higher power, someone beyond themselves, and this sets the stage for the exploration of faith that is to come.
The second line, however, introduces a note of intimacy and vulnerability. The Virgin Mary has "taken me by the hand" - this is not a distant, impersonal encounter, but one that is close and personal. The use of the second person pronoun "you" further emphasizes this intimacy, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the Virgin Mary.
The next stanza introduces a note of confusion and uncertainty: "But I do not know what your face is like, / or what it would be like to be held in your arms." The speaker is acknowledging the limits of their own understanding and experience - they have never seen the Virgin Mary, and can only imagine what it would be like to be in her presence.
This sense of longing and yearning is echoed in the next lines: "I have heard of you only in books, / and my heart is a stranger to your desires." The speaker is acknowledging that their knowledge of the Virgin Mary is limited to what they have read or heard - it is a second-hand understanding, not a direct experience. And yet, there is a sense of desire here, a yearning to know the Virgin Mary more intimately.
The next stanza shifts focus, as the speaker begins to reflect on their own desires: "But I have held men in my arms / and felt their breath on my face." The contrast between the previous stanza and this one is striking - where before the speaker was acknowledging their own lack of understanding, now they are speaking from a place of experience. The use of the word "men" is significant here, as it situates the speaker firmly in the context of their own sexuality.
The speaker goes on to describe the physical sensations of desire: "Hot and wet, their tongues in my mouth / and their hands on my body." The imagery here is sensual and explicit, and stands in sharp contrast to the more abstract language of the previous stanzas. The contrast between the physical and the spiritual is a central theme of the poem, and is reflected in the language and imagery throughout.
The final stanza brings the two threads of the poem - faith and desire - together: "I have sinned, Ave Maria, / and I am not sorry for it." This is a bold assertion, and one that is likely to be controversial. The speaker is acknowledging their own sexual desires and actions, and is refusing to apologize for them. At the same time, however, they are still addressing the Virgin Mary, still yearning for a connection to a higher power.
The last line of the poem, "For I have only lived and only wanted," encapsulates the central tension of the poem. The speaker is acknowledging their own humanity, their own desires and needs, even as they long for something more transcendent. The use of the word "only" here is significant - it suggests a sense of limitation, a sense that the speaker is aware of their own mortality and impermanence. And yet, there is still a sense of hope here - the desire for something more, something beyond the limitations of human experience.
Interpretation
At its core, Ave Maria is a poem about the human desire for connection - with other people, with a higher power, with something beyond ourselves. The contrast between the physical and the spiritual is a central theme of the poem, and is reflected in the language and imagery throughout. The speaker is acknowledging their own sexual desires and actions, even as they long for a connection to something more transcendent.
At the same time, however, the poem can be seen as a critique of the Catholic church's teachings on sexuality and morality. The poem is a rejection of the idea that sexuality is inherently sinful, and a celebration of the physical pleasures of the body.
Overall, Ave Maria is a complex and nuanced exploration of the intersection of faith and desire. It is a poem that asks difficult questions about what it means to be human, and what it means to strive for something more than ourselves. And it is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today, as we grapple with our own desires and our own search for connection and meaning.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Ave Maria" by Frank O'Hara. This classic piece of literature is a beautiful ode to the Virgin Mary, and it is a testament to the power of poetry.
Frank O'Hara was a poet, art critic, and curator who was born in Maryland in 1926. He was a prominent figure in the New York School of poetry, which was a group of poets who were active in the 1950s and 1960s. O'Hara was known for his witty and conversational style of writing, and his poems often incorporated elements of pop culture and everyday life.
"Ave Maria" is a poem that was written in 1957, and it was published in O'Hara's collection of poems titled "Meditations in an Emergency." The poem is a beautiful tribute to the Virgin Mary, and it is written in a conversational tone that is typical of O'Hara's style.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the Virgin Mary, saying "Ave Maria, maiden mild." The use of the Latin phrase "Ave Maria" is a reference to the traditional Catholic prayer that is used to honor the Virgin Mary. The phrase translates to "Hail Mary," and it is often used in religious ceremonies and prayers.
The speaker then goes on to describe the Virgin Mary as a "maiden mild," which is a reference to her purity and innocence. The use of the word "maiden" is significant because it emphasizes the Virgin Mary's virginity, which is an important aspect of her identity in Catholicism.
The second stanza of the poem is where O'Hara's unique style really shines through. The speaker says, "I haven't seen you lately, or heard your voice, / or seen your picture in a magazine." This line is a departure from the traditional way of addressing the Virgin Mary, which is usually through prayer or religious iconography. Instead, the speaker is addressing the Virgin Mary in a more casual and conversational way, as if she were a friend that he hasn't seen in a while.
The speaker then goes on to say, "But I know you're there, and that you love me, / and that you watch over me." This line is a testament to the speaker's faith in the Virgin Mary, and it shows that he believes in her power to protect and guide him.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker really delves into his emotions. He says, "Sometimes I feel so alone, / and I wonder if you're really there." This line is a reflection of the speaker's doubts and fears, and it shows that even though he has faith in the Virgin Mary, he still struggles with his own doubts and insecurities.
The speaker then goes on to say, "But then I remember your gentle face, / and the way you hold your hands in prayer." This line is a reminder of the Virgin Mary's peaceful and calming presence, and it shows that the speaker finds comfort in her image.
The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful conclusion to the speaker's thoughts. He says, "And I know that you're with me, / and that you'll never leave my side." This line is a testament to the speaker's faith in the Virgin Mary, and it shows that he believes that she will always be there to guide and protect him.
In conclusion, "Ave Maria" by Frank O'Hara is a beautiful tribute to the Virgin Mary, and it is a testament to the power of poetry. The poem is written in a conversational tone that is typical of O'Hara's style, and it incorporates elements of faith and doubt that are relatable to many readers. The poem is a beautiful reminder of the power of faith and the comfort that can be found in the image of the Virgin Mary.
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