Another Attempt at Rescue

by M.L. Smoker

Poetry. Native American Studies. ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT RESCUE is the first collection by M.L. Smoker, whose work has garnered praise from Sherman Alexie and Jim Harrison. "M.L. Smoker's poems are tough, funny, magical, but not in a goofy way. This is blue-collar magic. Unemployed magic. Living on government cheese magic. I highly recommend this collection"--Sherman Alexie. Smoker is an Assiniboine/Sioux writer from the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana.

Genres: Poetry, Indigenous

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Julie Richert-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This summer, Mandy Smoker was appointed Montana's Poet Laureate, along with Melissa Kwasny. I have encountered her in anthologies, but this is my first look at a collection of her work and I have been excited to experience it whole, as she presents.
***
I want to call it devastating. I want to claim that I recognize all of the betrayal and regret. But that may just be me, inserting my feelings about American Indian history into this poetry. Because it is also full of poignant humanness that transcends a common history. The conflicted relationships of home, the memories that shape us, the dreams we’ve chased and been deceived by. There is a quietly wise and persistent acknowledgment of how little we can actually change for ourselves and others, which leaves the question unasked- “what, then...?”
There is also a fierce undercurrent of warning: don’t underestimate this voice.

[Kerfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

ML Smoker weaves words into patterns combining threads of identity--both personal and cultural--relationships to landscape and family, and the restlessness of a longing for somewhere to call home. She is uncomfortable, always moving, always searching.

Smoker is based in her Native American ancestry, but is also well-educated in the larger cultural and academic currents that move through the United States. Her questions and concerns, though nurtured by her local roots, grow everywhere.

"What are we native to?" she asks, and concludes that "...we all might choose--if given a chance--to name ourselves over again." Not to be claimed by only one place and time, but to keep becoming, to keep finding new landscapes within ourselves.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection though sometimes the poems made leaps between concepts that were a touch too hard to follow to the conclusion; felt a little more like peering in on fleeting thoughts that haven't been fully fleshed out.

[David Abrams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut collection of poems about rez life, written in the style (and paying tribute to) Richard Hugo. There's some good, startling imagery in these stanzas.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started a bit slow but ended powerful strong

[Raino Isto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good poems here--the one about. the antelope crossing the frozen lake was a standout, but lots of good imagery.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever left a place, gone back. Thought about leaving again. Wondered why you ever left in the first place --- then this book is for you. Smoker has a unique ability to be both wonderfully specific when it comes to describing her Native American heritage and poignantly general about what it means to be a daughter, to lose a parent, to wonder about one's place in the world.

I loved this book and I hope she publishes more poems soon.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smoker weaves the reader through personal struggles and strong images of hope and survival. Movement of language is quite impressive. Quality collection of poetry. The letter to Dick Hugo is a must read. Also, Can You Feel the Native American In Me.