In Snyder's poetry, an enduring theme emerges: a profound affection for tools, which serve as a bridge between humanity and the physical world. These implements of labor, whether they are axes or pens, symbolize much more than mere functionality; they represent a means of engaging with life itself. Snyder draws a compelling parallel between the tangible tools used in manual labor and the intangible tools employed in poetry. In his poem "Axe Handles," the handle assumes a vital role, as it is the part designed for human touch, facilitating interaction and control.

Through this poem, Snyder illustrates how immersion in both the tangible world of physical work and the intellectual realm of scholarly pursuits enables individuals to gain a metaphorical "handle" on life. This handle represents a sense of competence and achievement or a deeper understanding of the world. The poem captures a moment when Snyder's outdoor activities with his son, filled with play and work, harmonize with insights drawn from literature. This convergence brings Snyder immense satisfaction.

The poem further reveals how this blend of practical and intellectual experiences enhances one's appreciation for lived experiences and cultural traditions. Snyder's reference to the transmission of knowledge and wisdom underscores his deep admiration for the process. His love for daily, vibrant experiences and his respect for poetic heritage, particularly Asian traditions, are thus intertwined, offering a nuanced reflection on the importance of tools in both life and art.

Rather than viewing history as an oppressive weight, Gary Snyder perceives it as a guiding force, a sentiment that distinguishes him from many twentieth-century American poets. In his poem, Snyder envisions the legacy of his ancestors as an ongoing dialogue, their words resonating in his mind with immediacy and significance. This connection to the past doesn't confine him; instead, it offers a reliable blueprint, a cyclical narrative in which life continues to unfold.

Snyder's sense of historical embeddedness extends beyond mere ancestry. It intertwines with his personal life, reflecting in the harmonious relationship he shares with his son, Kai. This bond mirrors the relationships he cultivates with his mentors and the poets who have influenced him. Through these relationships, he inherits not only poetic works but also the methodologies of his predecessors. Such inheritance is akin to the tradition depicted in Lu Ji’s Wen Fu (Essay on Literature, 1948), which encapsulates both the description and demonstration of poetic art.

Poetry serves as both an exemplar and a mechanism for crafting further poetic works, much like an axe that functions as both a model and a tool. In this light, the poem "Axe Handles" emerges as a fresh creation, a newly forged tool stemming from Snyder's personal experiences. Yet, it is also shaped by the enduring influences of literary figures like Ezra Pound, Lu Ji, and the translator Shih-hsiang Chen, who act as the venerable "axes" guiding its construction. This dual role of poetry highlights its transformative power and its ability to perpetuate the craft by drawing from the wisdom of past masters.