In Denis Johnson's poem "After Mayakovsky," the late-night atmosphere evokes a sense of solitude and connection with the universe. The speaker acknowledges their isolation while simultaneously reflecting on the surreal beauty of the world around them. The imagery of the moon resembling a telephone ringing in an empty booth emphasizes the longing for communication in a seemingly disconnected reality.

The speaker expresses an intimate connection with their emotions and the weight of existence through personification and vivid descriptions. As the stars hang heavily in the sky, the speaker contemplates the significance of their life and the inevitable witnesses to their experiences. This moment of introspection reveals a desire for clarity and understanding in the midst of darkness and confusion.