Writer/animal activist Ed Kostro says ‘This Book of Remembrance Is dedicated to every Katrina victim, both human and nonhuman, both living and deceased, who endured a hellish nightmare that most of us can only imagine; and to the many compassionate souls who rushed to assist them, in whatever way they could.’

Through Katrina’s Eyes poems from an animal Rescuer’s Soul 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 Katrina’s Eyes in which he brings the reader face to face with the horror, terror, death of hope and sheer and total disheartenment for so many of those four legged beings ravaged by Katrina.

Critters were left behind at times by those who thought they would soon return, others were left behind and by so called human rescuers who insisted animals could not accompany those who had carried them with them from homes to supposed safety.

The Old Man and His Dog, and The Woman and Her Daughter are filled with the poignant hope we humans retain, and to which our critters respond to so well.

Other offerings include Katrina’s Highway. Pet Rescue Camp, Message in a Bottle, and Mangy Dog. A sweet loving dog is showcased in the words of One Eyed Jack, and a grimly determined cat is brought to mind as we read The Old Traveler.

The joy of reunion is offered in A Vet and His Pet, while the heartache of being wrenched from his loving master’s arms by a heartless ‘rescuer’ before he too is returned to his beloved owners is showcased in Heavenly Touch, happiness renewed by adoption is found in the words of Get Shorty.

Poet Kostro’s own adoption record is brought to bear in Autumn in St. Louis, Eddie, Tater, and A Flower Blooms in Winter. The plight of the lucky – saved, ‘left behinds’ is showcased in Help and Paradise Lost in which writer Kostro brings the reader face to face with the urgency of so many now rescued but living in pens and needing homes critters.

Kostro’s poetry closes with the poignant wish ‘we rescuers pray that our government has now grown a lot wiser. We pray owners will never again be forced to leave them behind.’

Writer Kostro’s poetry and love of animals is well known to this reviewer. Kostro includes not only his own poetic works, but also some background and ‘color’ information regarding his volunteer capacity in the rescue effort made after pet owners were forced to evacuate and leave behind the companions with whom they shared their lives.

Kostro also includes quotes from a number of well known figures from history and modern day regarding critters and the role they share in our lives.

Through Katrina’s Eyes poems from an animal Rescuer’s Soul is a compelling read, brings the reader into both the despair and optimism of the rescuers and the confused, anxious ones who were left behind. The Poems are not always easy to read as we find the discouragement and hopelessness depicted in stark realism. The joy of reunion or adoption restore the reader’s ability to deal better with the despair grimly portrayed. Excellent poetry, excellent message. A book for everyone.

Those who love critters will need no encouragement to buy, read, and read again. Those for whom critters are only something over which we humans have ‘dominion’ may find themselves beginning to understand better the early writers who actually said critters are here toward which we smug ‘intelligent’ beings shall exhibit compassionate care.

Excellent addition to the personal reading shelf, the school library, therapist shelf and reader learning. Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.

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Reviewed by Molly's Reviews

molly martin

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Through Katrina's Eyes

Genre: Poetry compilation

Author: Ed Kostro

Line/Publisher Booklocker

P.O. Box 2399, Bangor, ME 04402 $7 - $12 Available from author, Booklocker, elsewhere on the web.

Print and eBook formats. ISBN: 1591138671

MOLLY’S REVIEWS