Exits is a collection of poems that moves in and out of nature, memory, and mortality with a sharp eye and an unflinching voice. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?

Nearly all of the poems in Exits were written between 2003 and 2021, before the idea of authoring a book ever came to mind. Three years ago, I decided to incorporate what I considered to be my best work into a book entitled Line Drawings. However, during the process of selecting poems, I noticed that a substantial number were related to various aspects of mortality. This led me to curate a more concise, themed collection, and Exits was born.

How did you decide on the themes that run throughout your poetry book?

I think my focus on life’s transience — the finite nature of our biological selves — derives from three sources. First, I was raised without any religious training, so from a very young age, I was left on my own to ponder the enormity of the universe, time and eternity, and the meaning of existence. I remember being cognizant of death as early as age five. Second, as a physician and neuro-ophthalmologist, I’ve cared for numerous patients with serious and/or life-threatening diseases. And third, since 1999, I’ve had to deal with the spinal cord variant of multiple sclerosis and the ramifications of that disease.

Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?

During the writing process, the intended audience was always me, or, to be more precise, the facsimile of me that constantly looks over my shoulder and critiques every word I draft. The word ecstasy comes to mind. It captures the elation I feel when a line finally comes together, but it derives from the Greek ek stasis ― to stand outside of oneself.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with writing for a defined audience, or respecting the conventions of a particular genre, or exploring themes and issues that are currently in the public eye. My approach happens to be different. What matters most to me are the words on the page, how they sound in air, and meeting the standards I set for myself.

What did you learn about yourself through writing this book?

The lessons I learned while writing the poems and designing the book (which are outlined below) may be of benefit to other debut authors and/or emerging writers:

1. Write poems that reflect your unique aesthetic sensibilities. Try not to be overly influenced by prevailing trends or by contemporary poetic styles.
2. Edit mercilessly over an extended period. Satisfying first drafts often begin to show their flaws only after sufficient time has elapsed to afford an objective assessment.
3. Begin your foray into publication by submitting poems to literary journals. This will help you determine which of your poems resonates with experienced reviewers. Before each submission, make sure that your poem is a good fit for the journal.
4. Be patient. Practically every aspect of the publication process moves more slowly than expected.
5. Be persistent. Exits went through twenty-two revisions over the course of a year before I felt it was ready for publication.

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