LITR 3731: Creative Writing 2006

Mary Bel Garza

August 28, 2006 Class Discussion Leader:

Discussion Questions for

Heather Meza’s poem “My Last Five Minutes”

Response:

            My first reading of this poem blew me away. I was a little confused about who it was about at the beginning, but by the end it did not matter because it was so real. It started out with a violent description, went into self reflection, and peaceful ending. It was very descriptive and told a sweet story of salvation. It was emotional and cleverly written. Great Job, Heather!

Questions / Comments:

1. Clever way to start the poem, at the beginning I thought the poem was about you. Who is the poem really about? Is it from personal experience?

2. What was the process like for you when writing this poem?

3. Did your rhyming come naturally because it fits so well with the description and poem?

4. In regards to the second stanza, the descriptions are so detailed that it helps you visualize such a clear picture, like a movie. Example, “trouble breathing” “short millisecond” “endure” “precious son”.

5. In the third stanza when the person whom the poem is about, starts talking about his sister, mother, and father is he seeing them because they have also passed away? Or is he just reflecting on his family?

6. If the poem is about personal experience, was it healing for you to write it?

 7. Would anyone agree the poem is about salvation? Or any other ideas?