Write like a dog, edit like a cat

Posted on by Reena Saxena

ORIGINAL POEM

I struggled 
I strived
burnt midnight oil
binged on knowledge 
be they books
webinars
or value-adding
conversations

I battled
Scarcity of time
to gather thoughts
process
write
publish

I tapped 
inner resources
dug canals
pathways for expression
became a medium
for thought energy 
to flow 
effortlessly

-all done
to make an impact
-and then I found
the impact 
was more on me
than the world outside

REWORKED POEM

I stayed awake
burnt midnight oil
binged on words
In various forms

I fought 
procrastination
to deliver
on deadlines

I tapped into
Subconscious energy
to let words flow
effortlessly

I sought to impress
the world outside
yet the exercise
had just changed me

MTB, Write like a dog, edit like a cat…

13 thoughts on “Write like a dog, edit like a cat”

  1. I actually like both. The first one, because it’s longer, seems to mimic more the long process of gathering thoughts, getting them written down, etc….that creative process.

    But the second one is much more to the point….and some times that’s how creativity hits as well…one aha moment. The tightness of the poem carries the reader to the point you’re making, much more efficiently. I think I’m writing for others….in reality, I’m writing for me! 😉

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  2. Thanks for sharing these two versions. In the first I liked the ‘dug canals’; and ‘binged’ ‘battled’ ‘tapped’. Both have lots of the struggle to find time and clarity. I think the second version is punchier – and I think the last line – the wisdom that you’ve found – works better in the second version. Bravo.

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