Connor’s question hit me as a surprise
had no idea the lad was a poet:
“how to mature as a poet?” he asks.
First, says I, you have to prove a poet.
poets have to have grown a unique voice;
until you do that, you’re just a kid playing
with words. from there – assuming you get there –
well, first of all things, you must write. never
look away! write. write more. write of every
thing. write more. and read. read more. read every-
thing. read fiction, prose, essays – all those things
that most interest you, and then least. read works
by the greats, and by those whose names never
you’ve heard. read friends and peers and anonymous
bloggers – and not just what you like! NEVER
look away! write. and then read. read more. read
works that tear your eyeballs out and smear them
across the page as though erasers to vanish
all the secret evidence of your most hidden crimes.

dmpitchford 12/9/23