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When Writing a Poem Check for Leaks
The necessity of careful revision
When writing a poem check for leaks.
Remembering that words like swift water
take no heed of the damage they leave.
At times a poem feels air-tight and ready
as if every word you have chosen
seems sea-worthy and right.
Yet always a poet must wear a surgeon's gown
acknowledging the need to excise a toe
or sever a hand to save a healthy limb.
The same hand that first beguiled you
urging you to plunge into the deep end,
until you emerge, weary and wet
clutching your dripping creation,
as supple and shapely as anything you have made.
Ready now, with your blessing, to set sail.
Unlikely to ship water, capsize, or sink
because you, familiar with past failures,
took the time to check for leaks.
There is a kind of euphoria that sets in when you first spill your words onto a page. It is so tempting to think that you are done at that point. Ready now to hit “publish”.
