[ETA: I updated my How Much Money Does a Writer Make? page with my 2023 income report. Sadly, the answer is “not much!”]
Welcome to Poetry Friday! Whether you’re a familiar face or a new visitor, I’m happy you’re here. (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
Recently, I received a review copy of Bless Our Pets, one of Lee Bennett Hopkins’ last anthologies. Oh, this is such a beautiful book. The poems are heartfelt, occasionally funny, sometimes wistful, and always skilled. They capture that sacred relationship between child and pet. It’s so wonderful to see some Poetry Friday friends (such as Sarah Grace Tuttle) as well as some poets often mentioned in our PF community! I don’t think I could pick one poem as my favorite, but the one I’m sharing is certainly in the running. I was in love with horses as a kid. I never had one, but I spent hours and hours dreaming of them, drawing them, collecting Breyer’s figurines, and occasionally riding one. This poem by Kristine O’Connell George captures the magical obsession I had with horses. (Do you know Kris’ wonderful books for kids? Check them out here!)
Dreaming of Savannah
I dream of you in the morning–
I hear a nicker; then a neigh,
Apple? Carrot? Handful of hay?
I dream of you each afternoon–
the velvet softness of your lips,
your breath, warm upon my fingertips.
I dream of you late every night–
glints of moonlight tangle your mane.
We race across the star-strewn plain.
–copyright Kristine O’Connell George, from Bless Our Pets
Doesn’t that just make you sigh and smile? Me too!
And the art in this anthology by Lita Judge is gorgeous throughout, perfectly matching the mood of each poem. The starry twilight with the girl on her horse escaping off the spread is incredible.
Thank you to Eerdmans for the review copy. I highly recommend this for all young (okay, any age) pet lovers.
And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with watercolor artist Michelle Kogan!
16 Responses
Laura, I did sigh and smile when I read that sweet horsey poem. I love the familiarity I have with the sharing of treats, the warm breath and velvet lips (from my aunt’s horses) and the unfamiliar and surprising image of “We race across the star-strewn plain.” Beautiful poem and post.
Oh, how lovely that your aunt has horses. I know they’re a labor-intensive pet to have, but it sure would be nice to have a relative with horses I could visit and love on :>)
Laura, a lovely review of Bless Our Pets! So much to enjoy in this book. I agree that Lita Judge’s illustrations are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing!
I’ve read and shared this last week, Laura, a beauty for so many “pet” loves. I rode horses much of my life, and this poem really touched me, remembering my last sweet Mariah! Thanks for sharing!
I’m both jealous and glad you’ve had the joy of horses during your life, Linda!
My daughter was enchanted with horses, and one summer I was able to give her lessons. I’ll have to ask her if she dreamt of them or perhaps daydreamed… Thanks for sharing this uplifting and moving poem Laura!
Aw, lucky daughter!
I also received an advanced copy and lingered on the artwork as much as the poems. Such a gorgeous collection!
Thanks for this lovely review, Laura. Bless Our Pets is sure to have wide appeal.
I love that this horse is in a dream — that’s where ALL the horses of my childhood lived. There, and in my imagination, where I WAS a horse galloping around our backyard.
Ooh, I love that, Mary Lee!
Aww, this whole collection sounds lovely. What a beautiful idea.
I loved horses when I was young until I rode one at camp. It’s harder than it looks to ride a horse. Such a lovely collection.
Isn’t it funny how the reality sometimes doesn’t match the dreams? I loved riding horses whenever I had the opportunity, but it’s definitely a visceral, muscles/guts/mind kind of melding!
I went through a brief horse phase — probably not as intense as yours, but I did love the poem and illustration in Lee’s anthology. Thanks for spotlighting this beautiful book!
Horses are gorgeous, but I was a little intimidated by their size. I love the poem and I know many kids are charmed by them. Currently I’m getting to know my son’s new puppy and enjoying watching him grow and become part of the family. He’s 40 pounds, plenty big enough for this pet lover.