What I Lick Before Your Face ... and Other Haikus By Dogs

Published in November 2018 by the British writer Jamie Coleman, What I Lick Before Your Face ... and Other Haikus By Dogs is a brilliant exercise in contemporary humorous poetry and parody. Belonging to the 21st-century literary current of lighthearted satirical verse and canine-centric comedy, this collection explores the inner monologue of domestic dogs using the rigid structural constraints of the traditional Japanese haiku—the three-line, 5-7-5 syllable format.

Coleman effectively adapts this ancient poetic structure to capture the raw, unrefined, and deeply affectionate perspective of man's best friend. The verses contrast the elevated, minimalist form of the haiku with the deeply mundane, instincts-driven realities of a dog's life, ranging from the absolute devotion to chasing tennis balls and the fierce rivalry with backyard cats, to the more visceral, humorous habits that define canine behavior.

You may take my balls

But I will lick what remains

And then, dear, your face

Beneath the explicit comedy, situational ironies, and frequent references to dynamic domestic situations, the work also touches upon the genuine emotional bond shared between humans and their pets. While a significant portion of the poems lean heavily into situational parody, certain verses approach a poignant, touching sentimentality, highlighting the unyielding loyalty and observation skills of dogs as they watch their human companions navigate daily routines.

By maintaining a concise structure, the collection presents a fast-paced, highly accessible literary piece that balances satirical observations of human-animal relationships with an affectionate portrait of the unique quirks, anxieties, and unbothered simplicity of the canine spirit.