There is a poem for each season, resting softly on the colors and textures of what each season presents. In Leslie McDonald’s Behind the Gate, there are many colors and textures to enrapture the soul. As she writes, “A soul released to/ a single cloud in clear sky/ heals a heart that mourns.” Her words are subtle, capturing the essence of a sublime place, Full Cry Farm in southern Ohio where the poet resides and cares for horses, teaching others to care for them, too. “I was lovingly designed in poetic symmetry with nature to cater to all things equine.” It’s a quiet life in many ways – the words and photographs capture the simple beauty of a world on its own, behind the gate.

Leslie McDonald’s chapbook, Behind the Gate, is a loving tribute to a place she calls home. An engaging combination of poetic verse and spectacular photographs, this little treasure will captivate all who read it. The poems are told in simple, narrative verse, leading the reader through the four seasons, and revealing life on the farm in all its glory throughout the year. The poet has an astute command of language, interweaving metaphors that exemplify the descriptive element of her verse. The combination of gardens, meandering paths, paddocks, and, of course, horses, will touch the hearts of all who love the call of nature – and horses, too. There is serenity in this peaceful country haven, one that attracts all who seek a little bit of quiet in this busy, noisy world.

Immerse yourself in an enrapturing collection of haiku poems and photographs of an undisturbed and beautiful southern Ohio equine farm with Behind The Gate. Leslie McDonald has penned some mesmerizing poems inspired by the different seasons and their influence on her cherished Ohio farm, filled with serene natural beauty that is enhanced by the lively local flora and fauna. These poems offer readers a glimpse behind the barn doors of a farm built with love, passion, and childhood dreams. Complemented by captivating poetry, readers will discover the beauty of dew falling on the grass on a cool spring morning, the sun rising above the pasture, an aging garden crane, an orange barn cat hanging out with his horse friend, a rainbow on the horizon, frozen brass artifacts on a cold December morning, and more.

Behind The Gate is one of those poetry collections that not only warm your heart but also leave you with a deeper appreciation for life in the countryside and nature as a whole. Author Leslie McDonald paints a colorful and vibrant portrait of farm life with a collection of haikus that are bound to make you smile and brighten your day. The color photographs are fascinating to look at, while the poems perfectly capture the feelings and emotions of a nature lover and bring them onto the pages. This is the book you want by your side when you want to relax, or you're looking for a quiet evening read. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and found it very inspiring and uplifting. Highly recommended to poetry readers and nature lovers alike!