The Day Lady Died

“Frank O'Hara wrote this poem about learning of the passing of Billie Holiday -- which was by way of newsstand out and about in New York. An old poetry professor showed this poem to me to illustrate the power of using proper nouns in poetry. It has a great documentary / day-in-the-life feel. You better bet 21 yr old me went out and bought some Gauloises cigarettes and a bottle of Strega. And RIP Dolly.”