Robyn Hood Black is hosting Poetry Friday today. Visit her blog, Life on the Deckle Edge, for this week’s poetry links.
Hey, poets and readers. Quick post this week.
I am working on a guest article for the website Reading Rockets. It’s going to be all about books … and dogs.
Of course, I have to include a few dog poems.
During the pandemic, Sam (the Schnauzer) and Rudy (the Beagle) have been joining me on the yoga mat.
Rudy is an especially enthusiastic yogi. Beagles are very comfortable with savasana and ujjayi breathing.
Yoga Dog
By Laura Shovan
Your mat rolls out
like a big pink tongue.
I wag and strrretch.
Come on! Come on!
It’s yoga time.
Let’s greet the sun.
Human and dog,
we breathe as one.
Want more yoga poems for kids? Check out Janet Wong’s TWIST: YOGA POEMS. Available on Bookshop.Org.
Is it dog poems you need? My favorite is STELLA, UNLEASHED: NOTES FROM THE DOGHOUSE, by Linda Ashman. This book is out of print, but you can find it at online retailers.
I am creating a list of middle grade books where the protagonist has a best furry friend, especially of the dog variety. Got a recommendation? Leave it in the comments.
My best furry friend.
Sam says, “See you next time!”
Love love love your yoga pup and poem! Such a fabulous first stanza to slurp up our attention and swallow us right into the poem. ?
Thanks, Kat! Rudy would definitely like to slurp up anyone who reads this poem. He is a kiss-monster.
Laura, what a fun doggy yoga poem! I’m looking forward to reading your article 🙂
Thanks, Kimberly! It’s not easy to limit myself to 750 words on this topic. No surprise, I have a lot to say about dogs.
Laura, Thanks for sharing your yoga practice with your yogi dogs. What a great opening line of your poem. I sent out a tweet about Twist by Janet Wong. I did not know about this book at all. I am sad that I cannot return to my yoga studio and have been remiss about my practice but your poem and Janet’s book have inspired me.
Hi, Carol. I love Yoga with Adriene’s videos (bonus, her dog Benji often makes an appearance). You’re going to love Janet’s book!
Love your poem “Yoga Dog,” Laura! And thanks for sharing TWIST! I think of my poem “Down Dog” from that book every time I see my dog stretch in the morning. Dogs definitely understand the magic of a good s-t-r-e-t-c-h!!!
You’re welcome, Janet. I’m a fan of your book! Face Down Dog is an aptly named pose — though I’ve seen my son’s cat in this asana too.
Love your poem and your yoga dog, Rudy, Laura. That’s awesome that he loves that yoga, and you, of course!
Hi, Linda. Rudy (the mat hog) sends a wag.
Two words sum up this post, your poem and those pups, Laura: Puppy Love!
A possibly unconventional suggestion for your MG list is The One and Only Ivan. His furry best friend was Bob the dog.
Thanks, Bridget! I’ve had a few people recommend The One and Only Ivan. I’ll be putting it on my list of resources.
What fun to see you and Rudy sharing a yoga mat. Love! Does a mg featuring a girl and a robodog count?? D:39 A ROBODOG’S JOURNEY by me coming May 18, 2020 from Charlesbridge. Hope you have a lovely weekend. xo
Hi, Irene. He is a MOOCH. I’m so looking forward to your book. Will add it to the list I’m gathering.
Oh, Rudy….you’re the best at dog yoga. But, Laura, this is a great poem! Love it. Can’t wait to see what you’re working on for Reading Rockets.
Thank you, Linda. I’m surprised and so pleased that the poem resonates with everyone!
If you’ve got The One and Only Ivan, then surely you have the sequel, The One and Only Bob! And of course, almost all of Barbara O’Connor’s books feature dogs.
I am in love with the first stanza of your poem!
I’ve got them on my list. Haven’t read the sequel yet. Did you enjoy it?
So adorable!
Thanks for reading, Ruth!
A perfect post from nose to tail. And, such lucky pups to live & do yoga with you all. One of my all-time favorite picture books ever is BONE DOG by Eric Rohmann. ;0)
[…] Rudy, through my Poetry Friday and Facebook posts about his adventures with Sam, our Schnauzer. (My poem “Yoga Dog” about Rudy was my most recent PF […]