Kevin Young

Teething

Wisdom and love have nothing to do with each other. Wisdom is staying alive, survival. You’re wise if you don’t stick your finger in the light plug. Love -- you’ll stick your finger in anything.

-- Robert Altman

The mouth is the most

potent instrument an infant

possesses--no wonder

you put your tongue

to anything, or anything

in your mouth. Roots

of teeth teasing just below

your gums. Drool

is your muse,

your song or cry

always full. Unlike us,

you love being

changed. It is only

sleep you mind--missing

the world's noise, what wisdom

the widows know. The bell

of your mouth ringing

in morning.