Customer Reviews

An Animal of the Sixth Day (Walt McDonald First-Book Series)

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On the sixth day of the biblical creation story, God created humans as distinct from animals. Modern readers regard humans as part of the animal kingdom. The title epitomizes Laura Fargas's gift for synthesis in imagery. Subtle phrasing of rhythm and voice combine with her images to make An Animal of the Sixth Day an experience rather than simple reading. I highly recommend it.

I'm afraid I'm one of those people who's always been "afraid" of poetry. This book has made feel that there's nothing to be afraid of, that poetry can be simple and meaningful at the same time; that it can it can touch something inside without my realizing why or how. It's a lovely book.

I consider myself fortunate to have stumbled upon this book a few years ago. I have since bought several copies to give away. Fargas is a luminous poet, along the lines of Jane Hirshfield but more humane and engaged with the world; she views the created world with joy, humor and awe, often through the lens of western and eastern spiritual traditions. The poem "Barely Husbanding Their Own Bodies" is a miniature masterpiece. I can't recommend this book highly enough -- I want more from this poet!