Reflecting on her long and celebrated career in poetry, two-time National Book Award finalist Linda Pastan was struck by the number of dogs that have appeared in her poems-whether as the primary subject or in the briefest of allusions. Dogs run through these poems, so to speak. The poems span the lighthearted to the serious, from the antics of training a recalcitrant dog to the grief at a beloved dog's death. With warmth, dignity, and quiet power, Pastan explores the many roles of these devoted animals, from household pet to Argos, Pluto, and the Dog Star.

"Envoi"
We're signing up for heartbreak,
We know one day we'll rue it.
But oh the way our life lights up
The years a dog runs through it.

About the Author
Linda Pastan (1932-2023) was the author of fifteen volumes of poems. A two-time National Book Award finalist and former poet laureate of Maryland, her many honors include the Maurice English Award and the 2003 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize. Her poems have been translated into eight languages.

Reviews
"An utterly delightful book-from the nimble line illustrations to the pristine visuals of the poems themselves, doled out with equal parts rue, whimsy, and wisdom." -- Rita Dove - New York Times Magazine
"The National Book Award finalist captures the irreplaceable love of a woman for her canine in this wistful, witty collection." -- O Magazine
"Written with Pastan's natural strengths-lyrical lines, fluidity and grace. Whether by parable, anecdote, elegy, or narrative, Pastan's dogs are blessed with poetry's name by one of our best." -- Washington Independent Review of Books



Book Information
ISBN 9780393651300
Author Linda Pastan
Format Hardback
Page Count 80
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 177g
Dimensions(mm) 193mm * 124mm * 13mm