Poems

“Changing Diapers” by Gary Snyder

Changing Diapers

How intelligent he looks!
     on his back
     both feet caught in my one hand
     his glance set sideways,
     on a giant poster of Geronimo
     with a Sharp’s repeating rifle by his knee.

I open, wipe, he doesn’t even notice
     nor do I.
Baby legs and knees
     toes like little peas
     little wrinkles, good-to-eat,
     eyes bright, shiny ears
     chest swelling drawing air,

No trouble, friend,
     you and me and Geronimo
     are men.

-Gary Snyder