This is such an interesting thread--and reassuring. Like Charlotte, I find that my rate of production has slowed since I first got serious about writing. So Cathy, it's comforting to read your "statistics."
I get obsessed with a new poem for at least a few days, though I will usually tinker with a few older ones at the same time. When I don't have a new one to work on, I generally look at the last half-dozen or so and sometimes find I can do some productive revision. I'm continually astonished at how much revision remains to be done on a poem I thought was perfect six months ago. (And so I have learned through painful experience not to submit until at least several weeks past that period of "obsession.") My "in progress" file includes dozens of poems that may or may not be near "completion" (whatever that means).
Thanks for asking.
Best,
Jean
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