Frank O’Hara Poems

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.

Steps

by Frank O’Hara

‘Steps’ by Frank O’Hara is one of the poet’s many pieces that explores life in New York City. It is written in his characteristic style and is filled with allusions that are sometimes hard to interpret. 

This is a truly interesting Frank O'Hara poem but not one often cited as in his top few examples of verse. That being said, readers who know O'Hara's work fairly well will surely recognize the characteristics of his style within the first few lines.

How funny you are today New York

like Ginger Rogers in Swingtime

and St. Bridget’s steeple leaning a little to the left

Meditations in an Emergency

by Frank O’Hara

‘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.

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