Book of Dog: Poems

by Cleopatra Mathis

Influenced by survival lessons from the natural world, Cleopatra Mathis’ Book of Dog traces a harrowing personal journey from hard endings—a divorce, the death of a beloved dog—to the fierce arrival of acceptance and change. All manner of life thrives in these pages–plovers, foxes, the companionable beetle on the bedpost, and the coyotes just beyond her back door. This poet’s discerning eye, focused on the stringent truth of what she sees around her, aims outward and refuses the sentimental. Throughout the search, she is guided by the unbounded faithfulness and wisdom of her noble and comic companions on the path.

Genres: Poetry, Literature

64 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2012

Reviews

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting short collection of nature-related poems. It was a quick and enjoyable read.

[Brady Hawkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think I’m smart enough for poetry 😭

[AmyKBell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her poems entwine nature and her Self with pretty rigorous control and a lack of sentimentality that I found inspiring and lovely.

[Christina Borgoyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great sense of healing this collection does through the lyrical voice of dog.

[Leonard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read several, but not all the poems in this book. I read the rather lengthy title poem, but was not moved or very impressed.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection. I need to read more of Mathis's work.

[jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of this was interesting. Other parts were pretty strange. I liked some of them I actually didn't notice at first that the dog was speaking.

[jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

Not the type of poetry I typically read, but the voice was compelling if often unclear and the collection together formed a cohesive story.

[Phyllis Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of poems