The poetry of Diane Wakoski has affinities with that of Beat poets like Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Allen Ginsberg: it alternates long and short lines, is frankly personal and wildly humorous, and expresses a mindset in stark opposition to Americans’ materialism and moralistic rigidity. Her conception of poetry as a deeply human and natural activity is reflected in her prolific production—over 40 collections published—while her “physiological imagery” of the female body has spoken powerfully to feminists.