The world’s too small to
Restrict ourselves to what’s immediately
Around us.
Vacations can
Expand our view and inform our
Love of diversity.
Why Rough Drafts Matter
An important part of writing is allowing yourself to write a rough draft, even if it feels mediocre. Sometimes sharing or saving those early attempts sparks new ideas later. The first version of Wanderlust was simple and vague, but holding onto it gave me the foundation to shape something stronger. Never underestimate what an unfinished draft can become.
A Note on Revision
Wanderlust began as a quick response to a passing thought. At the time, it seemed fine, but reading it now, it feels flat and vague. I often revise poems directly on the post, but that can erase the original version. This time, I chose to leave the first draft here as a record. I also posted the revised version, Get Out, in a new blog post. Keeping both versions lets me reflect on how the poem changed. Sometimes an early draft that feels ordinary can inspire something stronger later on.
Start with What Feels Flat
Reread your poem and look for lines that feel vague or too general. Words like “beauty,” “diversity,” or “expand our view” may hint at meaning but do not ground the reader. Mark these spots as opportunities. Ask yourself, “What did I actually see, hear, or feel?” Then replace the flat phrases with real images or sensory details.
Name Real Places and Moments
Specificity brings a poem to life. If you mention “vacations” or “travel,” name a place you have been. If you mention “food,” describe the taste or smell. When revising, list concrete images from your experience. Use these to anchor the poem so the reader can picture the world through your eyes, not a generic lens.
Keep the Draft as a Record
Do not erase your first draft entirely. Keeping a record of the original version can reveal your growth as a writer, no matter how seasons you are. If you post a revision, link back to the first draft or save both. When you revisit the poem later, seeing how it changed will remind you how revision shapes a stronger voice and clearer meaning.
