My least favorite part of writing a new poem?
Making the final edits and being “done” with the poem. To me, finishing a poem feels like when your best friend visits after too much time apart—you talk and laugh and cry as if it hasn’t been months since you last saw each other. For those moments you feel whole and connected and in the flow of life. Then she leaves and you’re happier for her having been there, but a little piece of your heart goes with her, and you long for her return before the door has even finished closing.
Finishing a poem is a little like that. I am happy for its completion while longing for its return—which is really a longing for the return of the feeling it evoked in me. Maybe this is why I love giving poetry readings, so I can visit my poems one more time.
What are the favorite and/or least favorite parts of your writing experience? Please share in the comments.
My favorite part of writing fiction is the outlining and editing part. I actually don’t enjoy writing the first draft as much, because I feel so frenzied to get it all out! But once it’s out, then it’s fun to go back and see what I created, and tweak it to improve it.
I agree! The first draft is painful but the rewrites are fun!!