From July 2011:
The editor? She’s out today. I’ve sent her home.
I have sent her packing. The editor must roam
for she takes too much to heart what I have to say
and turns my words, my phrases and my pen astray.
I only mean to write while it is fresh in mind
the things I’ve seen and heard. It helps me to unwind
the tangled vines that cover one in time and grow
like weedy webs to hide one from oneself. And so,
since it comes quite easily what is called a “rhyme,”
I jot it down quickly when I’ve a slip of time.
And time it is to tell it true, all that I’ve seen
what I think has got me here, what I think has been. . .
The editor’s come back! She says she’ll take my tome
poke it, prod it, spin it round, fashion it a poem.
It may be heard here: https://aprillynnjames.com/track/4735370/the-editor-is-out-today-3-2026
Who is the editor? Could be me, since I am the one who checks each sonnet for spelling, rhyme, meter, etc once it's been written down. But it could also be that left-brained part of any of us that puts checks on the free flowing of creativity to make sure that things are ready for presentation to the public. That self does need to be put somewhat to the side to give room to the divine creativity that wants to flow freely.
I’ve known since high school that my best writing doesn’t come from me, but through me. Have you ever experienced something similar when creating? If so, please share in the comments, below.