For Barbara November 15, 2006
Blessed are they who edit
for they shield
reader and writer.
Let them judge with savvy sense
Is it good or not good enough?
They’re often tough
and sometimes rough.
Yet humbled scribes return
grateful for what we learn.
Holding blue pencils high
they wait for author’s “why?”
Unclear, we fear?
Cuddled? Muddled?
Flowery terms abundant?
Descriptions redundant?
On the spot are they who edit,
seeking verbal snatches
worthy of credit.
Feeling pressure they’re under
tearing out pages asunder
casting favorites aside
casting out author’s pride.
Blessed are they who edit
who shuffle and fix
delete add or mix
good better even best
saving cuts and all the rest.
Alter ego?
Si, si, amigo!
Sifting for precise right word
pushing precarious equation
toward bold verbal sensation
giving writer elation.
Thank you God!
we thus must pray
for those who edit
those unsung unseen
behind the scene.
They save the day!
