Thank you Cyrilla

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