The Position

 They let me in. I went right up to the nursery 
and climbed into the crib, and assumed the famous 
fetal position.

They didn't know what to make of it. They stood 
by the crib looking down at me.

They were young. This was their house. Instead 
of an infant, a grown man is in the nursery.

Of course they hadn't planned on anything like 
this. It never occurred to them that anything 
like this could happen.

I had made my move. All I could do was to keep 
the position, pretending to sleep . . .

Form: Free verse Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace