Author | Frank O'Hara |
---|---|
Language | English |
Publisher | Grove Press |
Publication date
|
1957 |
ISBN |
Meditations in an Emergency is a book of poetry by American poet Frank O'Hara, first published by Grove Press in 1957. Its title poem was first printed in the November 1954 issue of Poetry: A Magazine of Verse.
The name of the book is purported to derive from English poet John Donne's prose work, Devotions upon Emergent Occasions, stemming from a joke between O'Hara and other members of the renowned New York School of poets. Critics have noted the influence of impressionism and abstract expressionism in the collection, with most of the poems detailing the theme of identity and everyday life in New York City.
The book is dedicated to painter Jane Freilicher.
The book, and references to it, are seen on several occasions in Season 2 of the AMC television drama Mad Men.