Sweetgrass

by Micah Ling

Poetry. This collection, consisting almost entirely of prose poems, is a compilation of moments and scenery in rural Montana, teetering with the urgency and tension that define the natural order of things for cowboy and ranch life. Through Ling's observations and storytelling, you will become submersed into this existence, getting lost in these mountains and knowing these people.

Genres: Poetry

58 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Micah Ling lives in New York City. She is the author of, SETTLEMENT (2012), SWEETGRASS (2010), and THREE ISLANDS (2009). She received the 2011 Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Emerging Authors Award. Most recently, she is the author of FLASHES OF LIFE (Hobart Handbooks, 2015). micahling.com

Reviews

[M.A. Dubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, crisp poetry that pulls beauty from cracked earth

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be fair and upfront, growing up in Wyo, I know a thing or two about ranching. Also, I love prose poetry. This volume, then, has a couple of things going for it.

Regardless, it is really good. There is a humble cadence to these words - a quiet respect for nature. Honestly, this book feels likE home in a Way. It is honest, seemingly without pretense, yet artful.

Homely, yet beyond... A bum calf raised on bottles and promises.

And in this review, I am being far more melodramatic than ling ever manages. Don't let my lack turn you away.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, usual "Justin doesn't know dick about poetry" caveat, but this is another collection I really enjoyed. There are a few verse pieces, but the book is mostly comprised of prose poem sketches of ranch life in Montana. Montana is one of my favorite places, almost definitely the most beautiful place I've ever been, and Ling really captures the hard beauty of the place. I've been messing around writing short-shorts lately, and if I can imbue my work with even a tenth of the wonder Ling does, I think I'll be creating some pretty good stuff.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this--its clear, straightforward language and its gorgeous Montana scenery. Voices of the West. Mostly prose poems, a few lineated free verse poems. Reviewed this for Prick of the Spindle online.

[Aric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the poetry I normally read, but in the end I enjoyed this a lot. I would classify as regional portraiture / naturalist ecstatic poetry.

One of many Indiana contemporary poets I've been reading lately.