Summary

In “Reasons for Staying,” the speaker makes a list of reasons for staying in his town. The list includes the look of the leaves, the movement of fog, and his family porch. He stays because of the memories he has in the place, including the books he read and the words he wrote (75). He also made a promise to himself in rehab one night. He wants to stay for the environment, its sounds, and the memory of his mother.

In Part IV, “Ars Poetica as the Maker,” the speaker describes his reasons for being a writer. Writing lets him protect his dreams and aim “for mercy” (81). Writing is a place that holds him (82). It makes him human.

In “Toy Boat,” the speaker writes a poem for Tamir Rice. He describes a toy boat, moved...