in verse and vernacular

today i came across two pieces of literature i hope to explore further: meditations in an emergency by frank o'hara and tompkins square park by q. sakamaki.

the former, a collection of verses delving into the culture of mid-twentieth century americana - the latter, a photographic tale of poverty, protest, and progress in new york city's lower east side during the late 1980s. the photographer's modern pieces are informed by his continuous observation of human misery during his years living in one of new york's more destitute neighborhoods. sakamaki has captured the struggles of the less fortunate across many countries; his pictures can be viewed here.

the road, a fictional work by cormac mccarthy, also awaits my examination.