O'Keeffe: Days in a Life

by C.S. Merrill

"How to see her" is a question that runs through-out this suite of anecdotal poems about Georgia O'Keeffe. Carol Merrill, her cook, librarian, reader, nurse, and companion from 1973 to 1979, offers a unique portrait."These intimate images convey the delicate shape of O'Keeffe's final years in New Mexico."-- Joy Harjo"When I got O'Keeffe mss I sat down after mid- nite at kitchen table when I should've been in bed and read thru in an hour because it was interesting, curious, distinctive, focused, condensed, epiphanous, ordinary and understandable."--Allen Ginsberg

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

135 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1995

Reviews

[Sirpa Grierson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I wandered around in Abiquiu and on the grounds of Ghost Ranch, this volume of poems, written in the 1970s by Carol, her weekend secretary, librarian, cook, and companion, opened windows into O'Keeffe's world. Carol's poetic interactions with O'Keeffe's world and view become more sophisticated and pure through the pages as she learns how to "see" from O'Keeffe. While these anecdotes stand alone as poetry, together they give a valuable historical account of some of O'Keeffe's final years (she died in 1986 in Santa Fe). Ironically, as Merrill learns to see, Georgia faces the loss of her own eyesight to macular degeneration.

A must read for O'Keeffe scholars and those who want to know more about the life of this important American artist.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not what I think of as good poetry, but these excerpts from Merrill's diaries during the six years she worked for O'Keeffe give a fascinating look at O'Keeffe as both woman and artist. Since I just toured O'Keeffe's house in Abiquiu, I loved reading this. I saw many of the tableaus she documents in the poems--the house is just as O'Keeffe left it in 1984 when, at 96, she had to move to Santa Fe. For anyone who is interested in O'Keeffe, this is worth reading.

[Jan Duncan-O'Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little poetry gems about the famous American artist written by her long time friend and helpmate is probably too obscure for many people to know about. It appears to be a simple account of little moments of a life, but there is joy in appreciating and observing these small parts of anyone's life. As a poet I am always searching for images and details that capture precise moments.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful. It was like I was reading the sequel to Weekends With O’Keeffe because I was back in “that world” and got to re-experience Merrill’s magnificent way with words. I love how the two books are so similar yet so distinct. I was reading something new and yet I wasn’t. Love love love.

[Courtney LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short journal-entry-like poems by C.S. Merrill, O'Keefe's personal assistant and companion.

from 7: "We walk around the driveway / in Abiquiu, so many times / make a mile, the light faded, / she gestures to the mesa / behind the house, 'Let's go in now. / The magic is gone.'"

from 58: "This afternoon we found / one unconscious hummingbird / had battered itself against / the studio window, took it / to the kitchen, made sugar water"

from 94: "Noon meal Sunday / with O'Keeffe / looking out to / roofless room / toward red stone / in the niche / like auricles & ventricles / of a heart."

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beethoven’s apassionata, Ching Ming Chang Ho Chinese scroll (Qing Ming Shang He Tu?), Jade Moontain trans by Witter Bynner, The Book of Tea by Okakura Kakuzo, Pedernal at Ghost Ranch, Edward Steichen, how to find your own voice-free time 1-2 hours, Landowska playing Bach, Laura Gilpin Desert Thunderhead, “if you ever go to New Mexico, it will itch you for the rest of your life.”, Richter Schumann Piano Concerto.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this book. I've seen some of Georgia O'Keeffe's art. I remember wanting to meet her, but i was probably a boy in Georgia when she died. I became an artist like she did, at least, but I learned that I'm good at both the visual arts and the performing arts.

[Marie Gerken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice set of poetic reflections from a caretaker’s voice. The way they are presented keeps the focus on the author’s experience helping O’Keeffe while honoring the privacy of the artist’s life.

[Ellie Shively · Rating 5 out of 5]

field guide to how to live as an artist. the chronology felt so important. each poem was a quaint snapshot. good heavens

[J. Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful inside look at O'Keefe's final years in New Mexico.

[Stephanie Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not even finished yet (I’m on page 26), but I already give this amazing little book five stars. How lucky C.S. Merrill was to have gotten too observe Georgia O’Keefe so closely! I love these poems and will be adding them to my personal library immediately! I love writing about the mundane day to day, but Georgia O’Keefe’s day to day is way more fun to read about! I am so intrigued by that woman and her art!

[bookinglibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignantly descriptive book of poems about the life, environment and art of Georgia O'Keeffe during her final few years by one of her caregivers.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me appreciate Georgia O'Keeffe in a real way for the first time.
Must Read - 5
Kept Attention - 5
Well-written - 5
Meaningful - 3
Accessible - 5

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting personal take on being with O'Keefe in her later years.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book of poems about Miss O'Keeffe and Ms Merrill's life with her

[Brent Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, succinct, inspiring.