Frank O’Hara

Frank O’Hara was part of the New York School of poets and was engaged in other artistic pursuits. They included music, dance, and Expressionist painting. He worked at the Museum of Modern Art and curated nineteen exhibitions. His intelligent work has only been widely recognized since his death in 1966. Read more of Frank O’Hara’s Biography.

Biography of Frank O’Hara

Easter

‘Easter’ by Frank O’Hara is a surrealistic take on the contrasting elements of life and death, and the images these forces can spawn.

Having a Coke with You

Meditations in an Emergency

‘Meditations in an Emergency’ appears in the book of poetry by Frank O’Hara, first published in 1957. This bitterly humorous piece deals with the theme of unrequited love.

Poem [Lana Turner has collapsed!]

The Day Lady Died

Frank O’Hara wrote ‘The Day Lady Died’ in memory of the jazz singer Billie Holiday. She passed away from complications due to liver diseases in July 1959.

Why I Am Not a Painter

‘Why I Am Not a Painter’ by Frank O’Hara is a poem inspired by O’Hara’s experience with painters in New York. It details an interaction with Michael Goldberg.