PoemHate Is Only One Of Many Responses
Author / PoetFrank O’Hara
TagsFilth, Hate, Meanness, Self-Reflection

Hate is only one of many responses
true, hurt and hate go hand in hand
but why be afraid of hate, it is only there

think of filth, is it really awesome
neither is hate
don’t be shy of unkindness, either
it’s cleansing and allows you to be direct
like an arrow that feels something

out and out meanness, too, lets love breathe
you don’t have to fight off getting in too deep
you can always get out if you’re not too scared

an ounce of prevention’s
enough to poison the heart
don’t think of others
until you have thought of yourself, are true

all of these things, if you feel them
will be graced by a certain reluctance
and turn into gold

if felt by me, will be smilingly deflected
by your mysterious concern

Frank O’Hara
Frank O’Hara
27 Mar 1926 - 25 Jul 1966
Region: North America
Period: Contemporary
Movement: New York School
Awards: National Book Award

more poems by Frank O’Hara

Poem NameTopic
1951Anxiety, City, Night
Autobiographia LiterariaChildhood, Poetry, Solitude
MorningLoneliness, Love, Nature
A Quiet PoemMusic, Perception, Reflection
Lines For The Fortune CookiesHumor, Individuality, Irony

all poems by Frank O’Hara

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