by Elise Paschen Ren Hen Press | 75 pp | $16.89 Monica
Whitepigeon in Entertainment. Discussion » Poetry does not
always follow specific rules. Not every line or every other line
must rhyme, but a rhythm is typically present. Not all Native
poetry is about being Native, but Native values are typically
present. Good poets design their pieces to inspire, to connect,
and to affect. "Bestiary" is the latest book from Osage poet
Elise Paschen, winner of the Nicholas Roerich Poetry Prize, that
explores family values, love, and loss. It is a culmination of
forty different poems over a decade in the making. The book is a
fast read, but has many memorable poems that speak to readers on
various levels. It becomes apparent that each poem is placed in
a specific order that leads up to the next. The poems have
inspired one another and set a pace for the reader to follow.
"Bestiary" has many analogies referring to animals while keeping
humans as the main focus. For instance, "Monarch" holds
reference to both the butterfly