Writing Questions

This week I force my friend Dustin to write a poem while we listen. Dustin Pearson is the Managing Editor of Hayden’s Ferry Review, He has a master’s degree from Clemson University, he has been published in a bunch of places, and he was awarded the 2015 Katherine C. Turner Prize from the Academy of American Poets. Here’s the final text of the first rough version of this poem: If I Keep This By Dustin Pearson I want to tell you that I think I’ve been dying. I’ve seen that there’s a threat Of a shooting today, But that’s not why I say this to you. I’ve been told that the young dying Are rare. I believe that. Just with all the things Spread between the TV and internet It’s become the rarity That happens every day. So which route to take? I’ve been told death Will come for us at 12:30. Should I take what I’ve been Feeling outside, or should I have the courage To sit and wait for other dangers? I want to ask you When you see danger coming from all angles Is it your first instinct to meet it? Who would you