Editing

When I first write a short story,
I mustn’t think that I have done
All the work that my creation needs –
In fact, I’ve only just begun!

Some passages need re-writing,
Some conversations need a tweak;
I’ll be lucky if I’ve finished
All the editing in a week!

Some descriptions need adjusting,
And the action made realistic;
Each word I write I must choose with care,
To keep it flowing and not stylistic.

How great if ideas came easily,
Without my having to try;
If my characters and plot all fit,
And images in words did fly.

I wish it were so darned simple,
But I’m afraid that’s not the case:
It’s write, then cut, then write again –
That only gets me to first base!

Leave it stew a day, or ev’n a week,
While I think it out anew.
Then cut, re-write, and polish again,
And ask someone to review.

All the things I thought were fabulous –
The characters, setting and plot –
Are looked at closely if I’m lucky,
Or ignored if I am not.

Whatever the case, I’m sure to get
At least a bit of feedback;
Then edit my masterpiece once again –
Now, I’m really getting the knack!