Graining the Mare: The Poetry of Ranch Women

by Teresa Jordan (Editor)

This anthology includes a blending of nationally known authors such as Gretel Ehrlich, Linda Hasselstrom, Linda Hogan, and Luci Topahanso; performers at the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Linda Hussa, Thelma Poirier, Gwen Petersen, Marie Smith, Myrt Wallis, Sue Wallis and others; and some relative newcomers. Through short biographical sketches, Teresa Jordan introduces us to the poets and sets the stage for our understanding the emotions of their hearts.
Subjects of the poems are wide-ranging, and even though these women tell about events on the ranch, they are talking of experiences that are common to us all. They tell of loneliness and challenges, of sweet births and gut-wrenching deaths, of horses they have loved and livestock they have nurtured. They tell the stories of each other and draw from the strength of women who have gone it alone in the harsh seasons of life.
Woven through the poetry is a self-determined sisterhood of voices, filled with humor, passion and faith.

Genres: Poetry

152 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 1994

Reviews

[Arletta Dawdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

GRAINING THE MARE: The Poetry of Ranch Women edited and with photographs by Teresa Jordan is a stunning collection of work. I recently read a 1994 hard copy and saw familiar names who have continued to write well into the new century: Laurie Wagner Buyer, Jane Claudia Coleman, Gretel Ehrlich, Linda Hasselstrom and Luci Tapahonso. The latter was recently named the First Poet Laureate of the Navajo Nation. Other poets are less well known to me but were amazing for the scope of their understanding and talent. This is a book to return to and cherish.

[Susan Poling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great poems by women.

[Holly Troup · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mother , Joan Hoffman, has several pieces in this book. She considers this to be one of the best anthologies in which she has been included.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t love every poem in this book but it gives one a great view of ranches women’s lives. If you love a rancher or the idea of ranching then give this a try. It is a heartfelt true to life collection of poems.

[Christine Geisel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

These really touched my soul--probably because I am/was a ranch woman, and hope to be again.