How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog

“Silver-Lined Heart” by Taylor Mali (2009)

This poem first appeared in Mali’s collection of poetry The Last Time As We Are (2009), and the full poem is also available on his personal website. “Silver-Lined Heart” is a gratitude list of sorts, detailing the small joys Mali deems worth celebrating in his everyday life. The poem is written with the same specificity as “How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog,” combining whimsical imagery with a light and humorous tone to explore themes of love and optimism.

“Love Hungry For Itself” by Taylor Mali (2009)

This poem also appears in the collection The Last Time As We Are (2009). “Love Hungry For Itself” explores the development and maintenance required within a romantic relationship and uses sexual imagery to discuss the imperfections found in long-term partnership. Unlike the abstractions found within “How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog,” the open and honest tone of “Love Hungry For Itself” explores how desire changes throughout the course of a relationship.

“Undivided Attention” by Taylor Mali (2002)

“Undivided Attention” appears in the same collection as “How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog,” published in Mali’s first book of poetry, What Learning Leaves (2002).