The title of this book of poetry refers to the contrast between humans and the animals we keep. We humans are mostly gateless, a privilege that is perilous, but we, like all animals, domestic and wild, certainly qualify as a menagerie. Just because humans are untended does not mean we are not cooped up. These connections and themes come up in poems with titles like, “I’ve been grounding myself lately,” and “I was warned in school against reading ahead.” Larry Thacker is widely published in literary magazines and has previously published two books of stories, three poetry collections, two chapbooks and Mountain Mysteries: The Mystic Traditions of Appalachia.
Portland, Oregon: Unsolicited Press, 2021. 102 pages. Trade paperback.