In rhythm and language, Chris Beckett is enthralled by D H Lawrence and by African praise poetry, that contrast of simple everyday words and phrases with a courteous sometimes ecstatic formality. And he is fascinated by the close but alien world of animals and fish.?A poet as fluid as Billy Collins, yet with his own tender, wise voice. Each poem creates its lucid, slightly off-beat world. Chris Beckett?s first collection is a rare delight.? ? Moniza Alvi?These exuberant poems move from the commonplace to the revelatory by sleight of hand. There?s a rightness of tone, a deftness and true authority. Reading The Dog Who Thinks He?s A Fish is like learning to fly ? it?s as easy as laughing. Chris Beckett is a natural.? ? Pascale Petit