'V.R. Lang' by Frank O'Hara
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You are so serious, as if
a glacier spoke in your ear
or you had to walk through
the great gate of Kiev
to get to the living room.
I worry about this because I
love you. As if it weren't grotesque
enough that we live in hydrogen
and breathe like atomizers, you
have to think I'm a great architect!
and you float regally by on your
incessant escalator, calm, a jungle queen.
Thinking it a steam shovel. Looking
a little uneasy. But you are yourself
again, yanking silver beads off your neck.
Remember, the Russian Easter Overture
is full of bunnies. Be always high,
full of regard and honor and lanolin. Oh
ride horseback in pink linen, be happy!
and ride with your beads on, because it rains.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Analysis of Frank O'Hara's "V.R. Lang"
Frank O'Hara's "V.R. Lang" is a poem that captures the essence of love and the longing for it. It is a poem that speaks directly to the reader's heart, and it is easy to understand why it has remained a classic piece in American poetry. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, symbolism, and language, and explore how these elements contribute to the poem's meaning.
Structure
The structure of "V.R. Lang" is simple and straightforward. It is composed of three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The poem is written in free verse, meaning that it does not have a regular meter or rhyme scheme. Instead, O'Hara uses enjambment, where one line flows into the next without a pause, to create a sense of fluidity and movement. This structure reflects the poem's theme of longing and desire, as the lines flow seamlessly into each other, just as the speaker's thoughts and emotions are intertwined.
Symbolism
The poem's title, "V.R. Lang," is significant in itself, as the initials stand for "Very Romantic Love." This sets the tone for the poem, as it is a love poem that embodies the romantic ideals of passion and desire. The imagery used in the poem is sensual and evocative, as the speaker describes the object of their affection in a series of metaphors:
You are so beautiful and I am a fool
to be in love with you
is a theme that keeps coming up
in songs and poems.
Here, the speaker compares the object of their desire to beauty, and acknowledges their own foolishness in being in love. The reference to songs and poems establishes a connection to literature and art, which are often associated with love and romance.
In the second stanza, the speaker continues to use metaphorical language to describe their feelings:
There seems to be a sort of equivalence
between thinking of you and the roses
and thinking of you and the sea
that assaults me like a willow-branch
The roses and the sea symbolize beauty and vastness, respectively, and their association with the object of the speaker's desire represents the depth and intensity of their feelings. The willow-branch that assaults the speaker represents the overwhelming nature of their emotions.
In the third stanza, the speaker uses the metaphor of a "flying saucer" to describe their experience of love:
Ah, you are not the type at all
you are much more wonderful
than anyone else I know
and I am so used to thinking of my love
as a kind of vast
cosmic
accident
preceded by amazement
accompanied by some
bewilderment
and suddenly
finding myself
on your doorstep
hungry and thirsty
to be
fed.
The flying saucer represents the speaker's experience of love as something otherworldly and beyond their comprehension. The speaker is amazed and bewildered by their feelings, and is in need of sustenance, both physical and emotional.
Language
O'Hara's use of language in "V.R. Lang" is simple and direct, yet highly effective in conveying the speaker's emotions. The language is sensual and evocative, as the speaker uses metaphors and imagery to describe the object of their desire. The use of enjambment creates a sense of urgency and passion, as the lines flow seamlessly into each other. The repetition of the phrase "thinking of you" reinforces the speaker's obsession with their love, and adds to the poem's sense of longing and yearning.
The use of colloquial language, such as "I am a fool" and "you are not the type at all," creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity between the speaker and the reader. The poem feels like a personal confession, as if the speaker is confiding their deepest feelings to the reader.
Interpretation
"V.R. Lang" is a poem about the power of love and desire. The speaker is consumed by their feelings for the object of their affection, and is at once amazed and bewildered by the intensity of their emotions. The use of metaphorical language and imagery creates a sense of beauty and passion, while the structure and language of the poem convey a sense of urgency and longing.
The poem can be interpreted as a celebration of the beauty and power of love, but it can also be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and desire. The speaker acknowledges their own foolishness in being in love, and the overwhelming nature of their emotions is represented by the flying saucer and the willow-branch.
Ultimately, "V.R. Lang" is a poem that speaks directly to the heart. Its simple structure, evocative imagery, and direct language create a sense of intimacy and familiarity with the reader, and its themes of love and desire are universal and timeless. It is a classic piece of American poetry that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
V.R. Lang: A Poem of Love and Longing
Frank O'Hara's poem V.R. Lang is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of love and longing in a way that is both raw and refined. Written in 1957, the poem is a tribute to the poet's lover, Vincent Warren Lang, who was an artist and a close friend of O'Hara. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the human heart's ability to transcend time and space.
The poem begins with a simple declaration of love: "I am in love with V.R. Lang." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a series of vivid and evocative images that describe the poet's feelings for his lover. O'Hara's language is both sensual and poetic, and he uses a variety of literary devices to convey his emotions.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. O'Hara describes his lover in a way that is both physical and metaphorical. He compares Lang's eyes to "two blue jellyfish" and his hair to "a field of wheat." These images are both beautiful and unexpected, and they help to create a sense of intimacy between the poet and his lover.
Another important aspect of the poem is its use of repetition. O'Hara repeats the phrase "I am in love with V.R. Lang" several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the depth and intensity of his feelings. This repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, which adds to the poem's overall beauty.
The poem also contains several allusions to art and literature. O'Hara compares his lover to "a painting by de Kooning" and "a poem by Frank O'Hara." These allusions serve to elevate Lang's status in the poet's eyes, suggesting that he is not just a lover but also an object of artistic inspiration.
One of the most poignant moments in the poem comes towards the end, when O'Hara describes his longing for Lang. He writes, "I want to be with you in a white room / and kiss you until we are both blind." This image of two lovers in a white room is both romantic and haunting, and it captures the sense of longing and desire that permeates the entire poem.
Overall, V.R. Lang is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of love and longing. O'Hara's use of imagery, repetition, and allusion creates a sense of intimacy and beauty that is both timeless and universal. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the human heart's ability to transcend time and space.
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