Washing dishes. How is washing dishes similar (but not identical) to editing a poem?

Without the clause ("but not identical") this would be an ambiguous question. Perhaps all questions are site lines on perspective and therefore open to interpretation. Nevertheless, washing dishes and editing are common, repeatable functions. This is one time when it's advantageous to multi-task. Of course, you can walk and edit but that's another topic. Did I mention washing dishes and editing poems are necessary for good health & the feeding of friends. Most don't think that poems are edible. This is a common misunderstanding. Simply ask your ears which poems they prefer to munch on.