April is Poetry Month for Dogs and Cats, too!
by Casey Hampf
By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist
The Academy of American Poets initiated April to be Poetry Month in 1996. While we generally think of poetry to be written about human concerns and nature, we can find poems about our cherished nonhuman friends easily by researching them on the internet. I’ll share a few poems from unattributed authors written specifically about dogs and cats.
“Sandpaper kisses on a cheek or a chinThat is the way for the day to begin.Sandpaper kisses, a cuddle and a purr.I have an alarm clock that’s covered in fur!”
“A gift for youWill soon arrive.But keep in mind.It’s still alive.”
“Sitting on the sofaDrinking tea and watching telly, A furry cat upon your lapNestling on your belly.”
“I never moan about the pawprints on my floor,Scratches on my door orDog hair on my clothes.Because one dayI will wish they were still there.”
“FoodFood food foodFood food food foodFood food.Who says a dogCan’t write a love sonnet?”
Interested in poetry books? Here are a few suggestions.
I Could Pee on This and Others: Poems by Cats. (F. Marciuliano)
Dog Songs: Poems by Mary Oliver
Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays by Mary Oliver. (Didn’t want to leave out the birds.)
Animal Talk Poetry by Brian Potter.
Doggerel: Poems About Dogs by C. Ciurru.
I Could Chew on This and Other Poems by Dogs – F. Mariculiano.
Kitty Koans: Zen Musings of the Dali Clawma and Feline Haiku Poetry by Kreative Kritters.
Happy reading, everyone.
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