Through Katrina’s eyes poems from the soul of the animal rescuer
Fascinating read … Highly recommended … 5 stars
The review
An animal writer/activist says, “This memorial book is dedicated to every victim of Katrina, both human and non-human, both living and deceased, who lived through a hellish nightmare most of us can only imagine; and to the many compassionate souls who rushed to help them in any way they could.
Through Katrina’s Eyes Poems from The Soul of an Animal Rescuer is a compilation of poetic works beginning with Immanuel Kant’s haunting words, “Our eyes are the windows to our soul.” Poet Kostro’s first offering is Through the Eyes of Katrina, in which he brings the reader face to face with the horror, the horror, the death of hope, and the utter despondency of so many of these four-legged creatures ravaged by Katrina. The creatures were abandoned sometimes by those who thought they would soon return, others were abandoned by so-called human rescuers who insisted that the animals could not accompany those who carried them from their homes to supposed safety.
The Old Man and his Dog and the Woman and her Daughter are filled with the poignant hope that we humans cherish and to which our creatures respond so well. Other suggestions include the Katrina Expressway. Pet Rescue Camp, Message in a Bottle and Mangy the Dog. A sweet loving dog is represented in the words of One-Eyed Jack, and a darkly determined cat reminds us as we read The Old Traveller. The joy of meeting is suggested in A Vet and His Pet, while the heartache of being ripped from his loving master by a heartless “rescuer” before he too is returned to his loving owners is shown in Heavenly Touch, the happiness , renewed by adoption, is found in the words of Get Shorty. Poet Kostro’s own adoptive father’s record was presented in the fall in St. Louis, Eddie, Tater, and A Flower Blooms in Winter. The plight of the lucky ones – rescued, “abandoned” is shown in “Help” and “Paradise Lost”, in which the writer Kostro brings the reader face to face with the urgency of so many now rescued, but living in cages and creatures in need of homes. Kostro’s poetry ends with the poignant wish, “we the saviors pray that our government is now much wiser.” We pray that the owners will never again be forced to leave them.
Writer Kostro’s poetry and love of animals are well known to this reviewer. Kostro includes not only his own poetic works, but also some background and “colorful” information about his volunteer capacity in rescue efforts undertaken after pet owners were forced to evacuate and abandon their life companions. you are Kostro also includes quotes from a number of famous people from history and modern times about creatures and the role they play in our lives.
Through Katrina’s Eyes Poems from the Soul of an Animal Rescuer is a fascinating read, introducing the reader to the desperation and optimism of both the rescuers and the confused, troubled ones who are left behind. The poems are not always easy to read as we find despondency and hopelessness portrayed in stark realism. The joy of reunion or adoption restores the reader’s ability to better cope with the bleakly depicted despair.
Great poetry, great message. A book for everyone. Those who love critters will need no encouragement to buy, read, and read again. Those for whom creatures are merely something we humans have “dominion” over may find themselves beginning to better understand the early authors who actually said that creatures are here that we smugly “intelligent ‘ beings should show compassionate care.
An excellent addition to the personal reading shelf, school library, therapist shelf, and reading instruction. A portion of the proceeds will go to pet rescue efforts.
Enjoyed reading, happy to recommend.
Reviewed by: molly martin
Genre: collection of poems
Author: Ed Kostro http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=14707
Line/Publisher Booklocker http://www.booklocker.com/books/2300.html
Booklocker.com, PO Box 2399, Bangor, ME 04402
$7 – $12 Available from author, Booklocker, elsewhere on the web. Print and e-book formats.
ISBN: 1591138671
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