Grass Animals 2: Poetry by Brian Koppen and Kevin Leal

by Brian Koppen, Kevin Leal

75 poems = 1694 words total. not emo. minimalism, imagism, absurdism, surrealism

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2026

About the author

review via amazon...
grass animals: poetry by kevin leal and brian koppen.
2 poets.
70 jointly-written poems.
1392 words total.
not emo.
minimalism, imagism, absurdism, surrealism.

Reviews

[Lyndi Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Grass Animals 2: Poetry by Brian Koppen and Kevin Leal, the authors turn small, ordinary moments into sometimes humorous, sometimes quirky moments like in “New Girlfriend” where the narrator makes earmuffs out of Beanie babies. Others highlight brief moments that stand out to the narrator like the policeman in “Cop” who picks up his ball with his cap and his concern at the airport that he won’t get on his flight because they find water in his water bottle.

As I read through these poems, I had a sense that the narrator made close observations of small moments, about animals and people, and gave insightful or funny responses to them. My favourite poems were “Halftime,” “Noise,” and “Neighbors.” This is a quick read but leave time to pause and ponder the underlying message. If you are looking at a read that gives a certain slant on observations, this is the read for you. While this is the second in a series, it stands on its own.

[Laura Lukasavage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can imagine life in these poems

There were many poems that as I read them i could see myself almost part of a memory or reliving something from my own childhood or maybe something I saw a friend doing. It's nice when a small, short and simple poem can take you to that place. However it was a little frustrating with the text being right on top of the name of the poem. When I read the first one I didnt know it was the beginning as I wasnt sure about the first line being the name of the poem. It wasnt until I went to the next one that I realized the book started. I would suggest underlining each, as you did on the one called Growing Pains, and also maybe add one to three spaces between it and the poem. This will make it look more appealing and easier to know where one ends and the other begins.

I really liked the following poems:

Movie
Parade
Modern love
Wonderland
Summer
Desert
Warm
Cop
Orsteria


These were ones I found myself relating to or could see it playing out in my head without even trying and they were enjoyable.

[Evie Rey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite the page count, this was an extremely fast read. And that’s largely because these are extremely short poems—and I use the word poems lightly. Most pieces are only a few lines long, and some are literally one or two words per line, stretched across four or five lines. For example:

“NEW GIRLFRIEND”

he was helping her

make earmuffs

out of

Beanie

Babies



or



“BLINDS”

his room strobed

blue and red

from the cop cars

streaking by



and



“36TH AVENUE”

startled, the

street cat

stopped to

look

up

at the

chanting

from the

storefront

temple



That pretty much sums up the entire book. Minimalist to the extreme. Most entries feel like quick observations, odd snapshots, or stray thoughts broken into lines. Because of that, you can fly through the whole collection in less than 20 minutes. I didn’t time mine, but it was definitely. shorter than 20! I didn’t dislike this book, but it didn’t quite work for me either. Some pieces were clever, and I could see what the authors were trying to do: capture small, odd moments and let them stand on their own without explanation. Still, most of the poems felt more like fragments than complete thoughts. I often wanted more substance, more connection, or at least a bigger payoff. This isn’t emotional poetry, and it doesn’t try to be. It focuses on dry humor, absurd moments, and everyday oddness. People who like ultra-minimalist, experimental, or vignette-style writing will probably enjoy it more than I did. For me, it was an interesting idea and sometimes funny, but not very satisfying as a whole collection.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology is certainly something different. The poems are short, usually 3–5 stanzas with just a few lines each, offering quick, quirky observations on everything from everyday life to films to history and politics. They feel like limericks or haikus without a strict form. Some of the poems felt a bit esoteric and context-dependent, but on the whole I found them to be enjoyable mini word-pictures that give a strong impression of entire backstories and characters. I especially enjoyed “Watergate Play,” “Restaurant,” and “Cracker Barrel.”

Most pieces read like snapshots or stray thoughts, with the focus on dry humour rather than probing emotional depth. Fine in small doses, but I found the repetition a little trying over 75 poems with - at least what seems to me - not much tonal variation. I don't profess to be a poetry expert, but line breaks also often seemed arbitrary, splitting sentences across multiple lines and interrupting rhythm and flow. This was visually effective in a few cases, but felt confusing and unnecessary in others. (Example: “the mayor / was like a / kid on his / birthday.")

I found the poems funny and clever and I enjoyed the technical competence, but ultimately it didn't feel fully satisfying as a collection. Fans of ultra-minimalist, experimental, or vignette-style poetry will likely enjoy it more.

[Hollie Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first Grass Animals poetry book, so I was quite curious to see where the authors would go with this follow-up. Grass Animals 2 continues in the same honest, stripped-back style, focusing on relationships, emotions, and everyday moments that feel very real and relatable. The poems are easy to read and often feel personal, a bit like tapping into someone’s private thoughts or observations.

As with the first book, some poems stood out more than others and lingered with me afterwards, while a few didn’t quite resonate in the same way. Still, it’s an interesting collection that certainly made me think. I liked that the poems cover everyday moments, and that the writing is straightforward rather than overly polished or flowery. There’s a simplicity to the language that makes the poems accessible and easy to dip into, even if you don’t usually read a lot of poetry.

Overall, this is an engaging and thoughtful follow-up that you can pick up and put down easily. I’d be interested to see whether another book follows.

[Sophia Roisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Unique

Grass Animals 2: Poetry stands out as a unique collection. The poems are interesting, funny, and refreshingly different from traditional poetry. Despite their shorter length, at times I could vividly picture what the authors described, and their simple language made it easy for me to step into the world of many of the poems. Often, I felt like I was experiencing the moments right alongside them, seeing, hearing, and feeling what was happening, which made the collection feel special.
The first poem, "Maid," had me laughing right from the start. Another poem featuring “Speak & Spell” brought back childhood memories of a similar prank, making me feel connected to the poets and their creative voices. These relatable touches made the experience enjoyable.
Overall, I liked how the poems are simple yet powerful. As a reader, many times I could easily immerse myself in them, experiencing the emotions and scenes the writers painted with just a few words. This unique collection is both fun and moving, and I enjoyed reading it.

[Ellie Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure about these

Call me old fashioned but I would have liked a few more poetic techniques in this collection: would have liked more rhyming and more alliteration etc. When it comes to content, these short whimsical observations were sometimes satisfying to read in the way they broke up the phrases but too often it felt like a very specific perspective I was reading from - maybe very unique to the authors and less universal. These poems weren’t really my cup of tea. For such short poems I want every letter and bit of punctuation to be intentional and for the piece overall to be more lyrical and moving or thought provoking. For example, they didn’t seem to have a set rule as to when they used capital letters or full stops, which made me think it was more a lack of care than any intentional style choice. I found some of the pieces pleasant and some made me stop and think but many were a bit confusing and it felt like a joke that had gone over my head - maybe it had? Sorry but I can’t give this more than a 3. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I didn’t ’get’ it. The reviews suggest others enjoy so even though I didn’t enjoy it much I certainly didn’t find anything offensive so maybe give it a go to see if there’s something I’m missing.

[Steph E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2 by Brian Koppen and Kevin Leal is an uplifting and funny quick read. IF you like humorous poetry, delivered in bite-size pieces, you’ll enjoy this book.
Some of the poems are darkly funny, such as “Locals” which tells us about the “get along gang” making throwing stars from soup can lids. I have a very dark sense of humor, but never have I imagined doing this—the poets are so imaginative!
One of my favorites was “Summer,” about a guy who tanked a job interview, jumped in the pool in full suit dress, and used the pool skimmer to move his beer closer.
Most of the poems have this dark humor thread, but some still leave me scratching my head, such as ACOLYTES, where boys sit transfixed by the crucifix after finishing the communion wine. Perhaps one has to be religious to understand this one?
All told, a great little book. Highly recommend.

[Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s not much to ‘Grass Animals 2’. I confess I haven’t checked out ‘Grass Animals’, which preceded this book. But as far as I can tell the two collections are similar. The poetry in ‘Grass Animals 2’ is VERY brief, and presented with zero context whatsoever. Each poem tends to be between 12 and 35 words long. There seem to be 75 poems, but I can’t be sure because in my Kindle Unlimited version there is no contents page. The poems are quite vivid and nicely-written, and are definitely clear. (The effect of this Internet-era minimalist poetry trend is clarity.) They’re evocative. I also found many of them—‘Moist’, ‘Osteria’, and ‘Teachers’, for example—quite crass. Some poems are deep and offer wonderful ambiguity; others are so simple they allow a maximum of one possible interpretation. Furthermore, some poem headings are underlined while others aren’t, and I perceive no purpose behind this contrast, so that my best guess is that these are typos.

[Zoucoulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2 reads like a pocket of small, strange moments. The poems are short and split across the page, so you slow down and notice tiny details. Everyday things—pets, workers, rooms, errands—are shown in odd ways that can be funny, sad, or a little eerie. The spacing and breaks make each image pop: an iguana stuck in blinds, a cop bending to pick up a ball, a limo’s fridge stocked with blood. The poems don’t tell long stories; they give quick scenes and tiny surprises that add up to a mood more than a plot. The voice is plain and slightly sly, often turning normal life into something unsettled. Sometimes the format feels a bit precious or hard to follow, but the fresh, strange images stay with you. If you like short, sharp lines that make ordinary things feel new, this book is a gentle, curious read.

[Gale Maco · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting

I like the direction Brian and Kevin are taking. The poem that stood out to me the most was “Modern Love.”
Great job on saying so much with only a few sentences.

[Lucian J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2 is a minimalist poetry collection that makes its intentions clear from the very first poem. The opening piece is chosen wisely. Within a few lines, you know exactly what kind of book you are holding. Dry, sometimes dark humor, sharp observation, and a focus on small, familiar moments from everyday life.

Many of the poems feel like snapshots rather than fully formed narratives, and that is very much the point. One of my favorites, "New Girlfriend", is only ten words spread across five lines, yet it captures the unmistakable feeling of new love with surprising precision. Other poems lean into quiet absurdity. Not a Pomeranian, but I read "Tenth Date" to my tiny dog, and I could swear she smirked.

The collection is short and can easily be read in one sitting, but several poems linger longer than expected. Not every piece landed equally for me, and some felt almost too stripped down, but the overall tone is cohesive and intentional.

My only real criticism concerns the ebook presentation. The design is extremely basic. While this matches the minimalist aesthetic, I felt the poems deserved a bit more care. A table of contents or a short note about the authors would have added value. That said, the simplicity of the presentation does not take away from the strength of the writing itself.

If you enjoy minimalist, surreal, and quietly humorous poetry, this collection is well worth your time.

[Zoe Tasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2: Poetry by Brian Koppen and Kevin Leal is a collection of short poems that you’ll want to read out loud for the sheer enjoyment. I read Grass Animals 1 and thought it was fun and a delightful read so I was excited to find a second book had been released.
The poems are short and quirky, which is just the kind of poetry I happen to love. If you are unfamiliar with poetry, this is the book for you. The poems do make you think, but they aren’t esoteric or perplexing. You don’t need a dictionary handy.
Some are slice of life poems; poetry that gives you a brief glance of a scene in one’s life. In my opinion, “Moist” is one of the poems that fits in this category. On the other hand, in the poem, “Ham”, a hammy mayor who is ironically gifted a ham is the subject, is a different kind of poem. Those types are my favorite. “Noise”, another favorite, is about a wife who has had enough of her husband putting off cleaning the gutters and takes it on herself…using his hockey stick especially stands out and made me grin. I also enjoyed “Jam”, (about a family in a traffic jam), “Robot Spirit”, (about children using a unique method to scare a babysitter) and “Summer” (about a man’s reaction to an unsuccessful job interview.)
Both poem fans and people new to poetry will relish this book.

[Curious Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2 is a collection of poetry which is reminiscent of an earlier book by Kevin Leal and Brian Koppen called Grass Animals. 

I believe some poems are longer in the second book than in the first, but they remain minimalistic, and are about observations, experience and absurdity, rather than emotions. While I found no description for the book on Amazon, Goodreads contains a brief line that includes "not emo," so the collection is in keeping with the authors' intentions. 

I appreciate the absence of what I call "framing" in the book. I've seen a number of poetry collections that try to define what readers should get from each poem. While some comment, further exploration and background can be great, telling me what to take away from a poem usually interferes with the experience. 

In general, Grass Animals 2 reminds me of growing up with my adolescent and teen brothers. The poems don't all have this vibe, but I was irresistibly reminded of how my brothers at those ages looked at life and the things they found funny--with a few added twists from an adult perspective.

As with any poetry collection, a few poems stood out for me, including Halftime, Noise and Church in Canada. 

Readers looking for absurdity, farce and minimalist poetry should enjoy this collection. 

[Book Fanatic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2 is similar to the first Grass Animals, though I recall liking that first one better. It's not poetry in my understanding of the genre, though that is evolving and this is much better than forced rhyme. These are brief vignettes that have been arranged in short lines of a few words and sometimes one word only. Basically, a lot of these are formed of one sentence broken into multiple lines. This helps capture a moment in time, or a perspective on it.

The poems I liked best had a bit of humor. Robot Spirit was one of those. Squad Car was fun. A number of the other pieces left me uninterested and puzzled by their inclusion. No poem will appeal to all readers and some may have a private meaning for the authors.

Some entries feel cynical, a few are downright depressing. However, poetry is not required to be cheerful, nor should it be. Church in Canada presents a rather dreary picture, but to me it said something about reality and the passing of times and eras. Some vignettes have an awkward male teenager sense of humor vibe. No doubt a number of the presentations are supposed to evoke teen or childhood years.

For the pieces that worked best for me, I see a good ability to use a few words to capture a lot. Minimalist is an accurate description.

[Emirhan Korkmaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2 feels like a true sequel to the first collection: same vibe, same minimalist/imagist punch, same willingness to pivot from the intimate to the absurd without warning. The poems are simple on the surface, but the range of what they’re willing to capture is wildly “all over the place” in the best way—one moment it’s something as mundane as eating a hot dog, another it’s a jolt of weird modern life (teachers with OnlyFans), another it’s an oddly specific errand like going to a chandelier store.

If you’re looking for an intricate structure or a puzzle-box collection where you reread to excavate deeper lore, this probably isn’t that. Instead, it reads like quick personal fragments, with tiny scenes, quick dips into moments and people—almost like the flashes you might get at the end of a life: not arranged for an outsider’s clarity, but packed with private meaning for the person who lived them. As the reader, you’re sometimes confused, sometimes laughing, sometimes just caught by the strange tenderness of it. It’s brief, surreal, and oddly alluring, like being handed someone’s memory reel and told, “Here. This mattered.”

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit, I wasn’t sure what I was reading at first. But just taken for what they are, these poems give such charming snapshots of so many different aspects of life, whether human or animal. They surprise, amuse, elicit compassion, and even inspire – every one of them is its own little story, little perspective in the universe. They feel almost like parts of conversations overheard while in a shopping line, the kind where you hear a ridiculous or funny sentence out of context, that gets you wondering about the lives of the people you are sharing a patch of space with. Some of them made me laugh out loud, like Cracker Barrel, Modern Love and High. A theme that emerged for me, not in all of them, but enough to give me a sense of the authors’ humour, was the incongruity of behaviour with perceived self-identity. Basically, subjects did things you wouldn’t expect them to, according to how you can tell they see themselves. And when I put it like that, it’s shocking that so much can be contained in these tiny lines. These poems are a true lesson in editing, that less, very often, can definitely be more.

[Aubrey Cleeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2 is another enticing and humorous collection by Brian Koppen and Kevin Leal. It is similar in style to the first entry, with a lot of quick and impactful poems which are both relatable and easy to read.

There are some wonderful, punchy entries in this collection, and the few characters mentioned make an impact despite usually only being mentioned once. The way in which the authors word things means that we get an impression of Officer Jim and others with just a few lines. Their attitudes and personalities come across instantly, and leaves the reader wondering about their stories. There are some wonderful metaphors and comparisons in the poems which are relatable to the reader.

I particularly liked Making the News for the fine line of absurdity and, actually, it really could happen. Summer felt quite poignant, but had a funny touch to it, as the way the character reacts to bad news is comical in a way.

This quick read will keep you smiling throughout. It isn’t laugh out loud funny, but something that makes you smirk, and sometimes that is the exact type of thing you just love to read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2: Poetry by Brian Koppen and Kevin Leal is a quietly clever, minimalist collection that finds meaning, humor, and odd beauty in everyday moments. The poems are short, sometimes startlingly so, but they pack surprising emotional and observational weight. Many read like snapshots: a fleeting thought, a small absurdity, a familiar interaction seen from a slightly skewed angle.
What stands out is the authors’ ability to turn ordinary scenes into something memorable, whether through dry humor, gentle surrealism, or sharp understatement. Poems like “New Girlfriend,” “Noise,” and “Neighbors” show how little language is needed to capture intimacy, frustration, or affection. The simplicity never feels lazy; instead, it highlights careful editing and a strong sense of timing.
This collection can be read quickly, but it rewards lingering. Some poems invite rereading, others spark laughter, and a few leave a quiet echo behind. Accessible yet thoughtful, Grass Animals 2 works well for both poetry lovers and readers new to the genre, standing confidently on its own while building on the tone of the first book.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2 by Brian Koppen and Kevin Leal captures a series of vivid, intriguing, and sometimes enigmatic snapshots through poetry. In a few lines, they effortless conjure images that explore nostalgia, romance, heart break, small town America, childhood, and adolescence. Because of their brevity, some of the poems are enigmatic; they offer a brief glimpse of something and invite the reader to fill in the gaps. While the subject matter is often highly specific (an escaped pet gecko, a waitress who won Miss Channahon) there is a compassion in the writing that makes it all familiar. My favorites were “Modern Love,” “Summer,” “Acolytes,” “New Orleans,” “New Girlfriend,” “Nursing Home,” and “Roadkill.” This is a strong collection, and it evokes a lot in a small space. I don’t have major critiques, but it will be interesting to see if the authors experiment with alternate forms in future collections. Many of the poems are structurally similar, and I would love to see them explore with the way that the form of poetry can mimic or mirror its content. Definitely recommended for fans of poetry.

[Antonella Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of short poems that can each be considered a small world in which the reader can experience the most varied emotions and can breathe, for example, the nostalgic air of a place that has recently been abandoned by men who have bequeathed it to other animals, bears, also leaving them the ancient home of a cathedral, as the poem Church in Canada goes, or, to give another example, Maid's comically disconcerting one, or Parrot's subtly ironic one. It is a book of simple and flowing verses, fluid and dynamic, musical, pleasant. It is an ideal book for a reader who would like to remain alone in the company of himself, filling his winter and autumn days with thoughts rich in a philosophical, and not just poetic, approach to life and the reality that surrounds us. This collection of poems allows the mind to wander, to travel elsewhere from everyday family environments, but always starting from there, from known and familiar cities to move away from them towards internal horizons where man knows himself with his doubts and fears through the eyes and features of other animals, the stories and memories of others of his kind. A original and philosophically poetic text.

[C.D. McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2: Poetry by Brian Koppen and Kevin Leal is a fun collection of poems that capture the small, intimate moments of everyday life—both the somber and thoughtful. The authors take care to highlight the heart, feelings, and essence of these moments by keeping the poems short and impactful.
These poems offer a raw, unfiltered look at the everyday occurrences, often dashed with humor and playful references that brighten the tone of the overall read.
While I absolutely love the intention here, I did find some of the poems too short. But not to worry, this is merely a preference, and for some, this is exactly what’s needed to capture the heart of the scene being told. The authors had a bold intention to say a lot without saying much, using the quiet space between pages to let the reader think, and they do a wonderful job at delivering this.
For poem readers, this is a charming and quick read to cleanse the palate. Don’t go into it thinking it is going to be an in-depth discovery of the human emotion or why we do the things we do—it’s not intended for that. This book is intended to force us to slow down and reconsider the small moments in our daily lives.

[We Love Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2 is a thoughtfully crafted poetry collection that invites readers into a world of imagination, observation, and quiet reflection. Brian Koppen and Kevin Leal bring a playful yet intentional voice to their poems, blending creativity with moments that feel surprisingly grounded. The language is accessible, making the collection welcoming, while still leaving space for interpretation and personal meaning.

What stood out to me is how the poems encourage slowing down and noticing — small details, emotions, and connections that might otherwise be overlooked. There’s a sense of curiosity woven throughout the collection, giving each piece its own personality while still feeling cohesive as a whole. The imagery is engaging without being overwhelming, and the pacing makes it easy to enjoy the poems individually or as a continuous read.

This is a collection that rewards attention and revisiting, offering something new with each pass. A solid and enjoyable poetry book for readers who appreciate creativity, imagination, and thoughtful expression.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass Animals 2: Poetry by Kevin Leal and Brian Koppen is an eclectic collection of very short poems. There's no blurb, introduction, or author bio, so you're thrown into the deep end with no context—which is unsettling, but that's what the authors want. It feels like arriving at a restaurant where the food is already on the table and you haven't ordered; fortunately, the food is good. Some poems are contained, finished little stories, while others feel like they could expand into short stories.
The poems are sweet with an irreverent type of humor. I'm not a poetry expert, but I think most people would enjoy this collection. I went back to reread it and took my time to appreciate it. The descriptions are quite vivid and cinematic. I laughed picturing the scene of "The Greek Mother," was horrified (or not) imagining "The Tenth Date," and felt perplexed wondering what was happening in "VIP Protection Limousine." I'd like to know if "Airport" is sarcastic or not, though. All in all, it's a lovely collection that sparks memories, triggers a laugh, and would start a few discussions.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful collection of poems. I am not a fan of wordy poems, so these quick snippets fit my taste. I was not disappointed.
One of my favorites was wonderland, about a pigeon walking into a store. This hilarious image had me chuckling, and I wonder what that bag boy did with the broom… And the pickle kid in Breakup also made me laugh. If you like a fun read that will put a smile on your face, this book is for you.
However, the formatting on Kindle needs fixing. Rather than appearing on one page, the poems are strangely cut in half, with half the poem smushed on the left to the top, and the other half smushed to the top right. This made it somewhat jarring to read. Poetry should read smoothly, right? This chopped formatting interrupted the flow of the prose.
My only other tiny suggestion would be to make the cover more lively to reflect the humor within the pages. As it stands, a plain cover doesn’t quite fit the bill.

[Woodrow Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book of poetry. I don't normally read poetry, but I read the first Grass Animals, and I enjoyed it, so I decided to give the second book a shot. I will say I liked this one better than the first one. The majority of the poems felt very relevant to today, and I did get a kick out of the references to things that happened in my childhood in some of the poems.

My two favorite poems were Oakwood and Fast Food. The way the poets distill the affluence of sports, drugs, and youth into a single performance of belonging really resonated with me. Fastfood also struck a chord with me. More specifically, how the poem captured a moment in time where institutional efficiency masqueraded as compassion. To me, it reveals how our current system of low-wage labor (which leads to increased poverty) forces everyone involved in our class system into a slow, transactional endurance.

I highly recommend this well-written book of poems.

[John Kaczor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this collection of poems not really knowing what to expect. Overall it is an interesting read which is unlike any poetry I've encountered in the past. Some poems have a risque quality and can make you feel uncomfortable while others are more mellow.

Most of the poems are about pretty normal stuff. I caught myself chuckling at a few, like Airport. Some poems are a little more dramatic and designed to raise eyebrows.

One of the best parts is how the poems look on the page. Whether it is in intentional or not, the author molds the shape of the words and often it actually models what the author is talking about. This visual technique makes you slow down and look at the poems more closely, and adds another dimension to the works.

It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re tired of the same old poetry collections, give it a shot. Just don’t expect anything conventional.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[KP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read much poetry recently, nor have I read the first Grass Animals.

That said, Grass Animals 2 by Brian and Kevin was a very enjoyable little read, and able to be consumed in a short sitting.

The poetry is extremely stripped back, as another reviewer has noted, perhaps excessive use of the ‘enter’ key but it creates ~75 very punch and snappy poems.

Many are no more than a sentence or two broken into a few extra lines, while even the longest is still only a few dozen words.

I would describe these many small poems as very modern, often witty, and sometimes quite cynical. Despite their size, they convey a brief moment (or two) efficiently.

I would highly recommend that readers pay attention to the titles of each poem, as while they are generally only one or two words, they often provide the other side of the context, some setup, or even the punchline to the poem itself.

[James Wilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Grass Animals 2 because I wanted something short and easy after slogging through heavier books. These poems are quick hits, mostly three or four stanzas each, and they read fast without feeling rushed.

What surprised me was how often a simple little story would stick with me and make me think about what it really meant. Some of the poems hit you with a laugh right away. Others sneak up and pull you into a random US small-town environment. A few left me scratching my head for a second, but that’s part of the fun. They don’t spell everything out, and I liked filling in the blanks myself.

It’s not the heavy, deep stuff you expect from famous poets, which is exactly why I enjoyed it. Just clever, vivid snapshots that mix humour and a touch of weird in a good way. Perfect for picking up when you only have a few minutes.

If you’re in the mood for poetry that feels fresh and approachable give this one a shot.

[Angela Zigann · Rating 4 out of 5]

short lines
sometimes just
a thought
cut in half

some poems clicked
others left me
staring at the page
like
“wait … what?”

but that seems to be the point

this isn’t traditional poetry
it feels more like snapshots
small moments
observations
that don’t always explain themselves

sometimes funny
sometimes random
sometimes surprisingly sharp

and while I didn’t connect with every piece,
a few stayed with me longer than expected
because they leave space for your own interpretation

it’s the kind of book you read quickly
but then pause
because something about it lingers

definitely not for everyone
and not something I fully “got” all the time
but clearly intentional in its style

if you enjoy abstract, minimalist poetry
and don’t mind a bit of confusion along the way
there’s something interesting to discover here


It’s one of those collections that may not fully land every time, but still makes you pause and think about what poetry can be.