Chip and winnow

I've collected old and dusty pieces from that long and far away time when I used to write relatively frequently. Several I have submitted for publishing that were never published. I never tried again.

I've never received any feedback on my work, either - that may be / is part of the problem. 

I reviewed several poems and was pleased to see I still liked them - I'm not sure why I assumed time would turn them into absolute crap, but that's what I was expecting. One I've been particularly smitten with I did not need editing, even. 

But most did. 

My tactic here was to read, re-read, read out loud, then stream of conscious Virginia Woolf style bust out onto paper what I didn't like. I let that simmer for a few days to see if I still felt the same way, then began to actually edit.

Here is a sample of what my notes looked like:

I don’t like the title and it needs a new one.
The second stanza is awkward. The point of it should stay but it needs reworking.
More info on flowers needed specif. sheathes? Is that right? That might not be right.
The last line needs a touch up - point to remain, but defined clearer. A punch at the end to tie it all together.
And the second line in the fourth stanza I am not in love with. Needs more crafting.
First stanza needs a little tweaking on word choice but structure is sound.

It still doesn't have a different title and I haven't been able to come up with anything better.

I'm a little miffed at myself for my vagueness. What did I think I meant by, "needs more crafting," specifically? But then I really shouldn't be too terribly surprised at myself. A few months ago I came across a scribbled down recipe was clearly lacking in needed details:

Three cups of what?! Two and a half whats of milk?! I am still really unsure what this recipe is supposed to make - pancakes? Dumplings? ... glue?

So what I've learned is that my flash approach to editing doesn't really work for me. I absolutely need to take the time to be specific with myself.

I didn't have the time tonight to tell you about why this doesn't work and to find out what actually works for me, so it's something I'll have to come back to. 

If anyone wants to take a stab at reviewing the piece I reference here, please send me a message! Furthermore, if you're brave enough to try out this mystery recipe (or have any clue what it is,) by all means, share!