For bringing this poem to my attention. A few weeks ago our class came to my studio for a visit. One of my paintings made her think of Frank O'Hara's short book of poetry: Lunch Poems. I had this book, so I went home and read a few selections over my lunch break.
I did not, however, read this poem which Cyrilla read in our class a few weeks later in reference to my work. This was a special gift.
Song
Is it dirty
does it look dirty
that's what you think of in the city
does it just seem dirty
that's what you think of in the city
you don't refuse to breathe do you
someone comes along with a very bad character
he seems attractive, is he really. yes. very
he's attractive as his character is bad. is it. yes
that's what you think of in the city
run your finger along your no-moss mind
that's not a thought that's soot
and you take a lot of dirt off someone
is the character less bad. no. it improves constantly
you don't refuse to breathe do you
--Frank O' Hara 1959
