Lunch Poems by Frank O'Hara

O’HARA, Frank. Lunch Poems. The Pocket Poet Series, Number Nineteen. San Francisco, City Light Books, 1974.

First edition, sixth printing, of this collection by the New York poet Frank O’Hara.

First published by City Lights in 1964, Lunch Poems is a poetry collection primarily composed by O’Hara during his lunch hour in Times Square. The title also alludes to the convenience of carrying this pocket-sized volume and enjoying it during one’s own lunch hour.

Lunch Poems is rich with references to pop culture, literary figures, New York locations, and the poet’s circle of friends. A prevalent theme throughout is the longing for human connection, whether in the intimacy of friendships or romantic relationships, or in a broader sense of camaraderie with strangers, especially amidst moments of tragedy.

Duodecimo, pp. 74, [2]; near fine in the original blue, red and white wrappers (wrappers a little rubbed, spine slightly sunned).