In The Lone, Cautious, Animal Life, Paul Bowers establishes a natural connection of human existence within communities of animal life. The poems demonstrate close observation of overlooked, ordinary life. Specific, but uncluttered, details combine with the poet's inferences presented in understated eloquence. In addition to many domestic contexts, his subjects range from tiny Deer Mice to Wildebeest, including cattle, horses, dogs, cats, fox and birds. This is neither a perfunctory nor encyclopedic presentation. Bowers does not use animals for sentiment or inspiration. The collection is not...