Matt Hart and Dobby Gibson Honor Dean Young at La Crosse Writers’ Event

Dean Young, a renowned poet known for his surreal and humor-infused poetry, passed away on August 23, 2022, at the age of 67 due to complications from COVID-19. His work often explores themes of impermanence, mortality, and creativity. *Creature Feature* stands as a testament to his legacy, showcasing the coexistence of the surreal and the intimate even in the face of mortality. This book, published by Copper Canyon Press in 2026, is Young's first posthumous collection and the final installment in a trilogy that includes *Shock by Shock* and *Solar Perplexus*. All three books were written following Young's successful heart transplant.

During the event, Hart and Gibson spoke on Young’s behalf, with Gibson describing Young’s poetry as fast, surprising, and slightly chaotic. He noted, "He ran how his poems flowed," reflecting on their first meeting. Hart elaborated by saying, "He would defy the expectations… defy the restraint in the possibility of creativity," emphasizing how Young's poems often take unexpected turns.

Young was characterized as a maximalist in his writing approach. Hart noted that Young preferred using a classic typewriter to craft his poems, aiming to include everything in his work. Hart and Gibson read poems from *Creature Feature* alongside their own pieces, conveying deep emotion and admiration for Young’s work. They dedicated substantial time to editing Young’s manuscript in a way that they believed he would have appreciated. Hart explained their process, stating, "It was only because we routinely gave Dean feedback on his poems… that we did not do anything to these poems that we would not have argued for if he was alive."

Both authors mentioned that the manuscript was largely complete, requiring only minor adjustments. Gibson indicated the editing involved many Saturday mornings spent on Zoom, reviewing each poem line by line. The editing and publishing process began in 2024, roughly a year and a half after Young's passing.

Hart described Young as "uncontrollable, uncontainable, exotic, contradictory, brilliant, and generous,” highlighting his multifaceted nature. The event showcased that *Creature Feature* is not just a final publication but a profound tribute to the enduring impact of Dean Young's life and art. Through Hart and Gibson’s dedication, Young’s poetry continues to engage readers in his imaginative and unpredictable world.