Is it better to edit poems heavily or keep them raw?

[Aaron]

I am not sure how much I should edit my poems. Sometimes editing improves them but other times it removes something important.

[RayOfLight32]

First drafts should be raw but editing is where the poem becomes strong.

[Kieron83]

Overediting can strip personality so it is about balance.

[Ann]

Try leaving a poem for a few days then coming back to edit with fresh eyes.

[HollowSentinel]

Keep versions so you do not lose something that worked in an earlier draft.