That final definition of balm changes the whole poem: not a cure, not protection from loss, but something fragrant and effective, for a time, against decay. It makes the claim for poetry smaller than salvation and, because of that, far more convincing.
I love the bit about “mosquito demons” and how it reminds me of how emails and oil changes are just these annoying little things that won’t go away til you squash them
Please, the interview link is not working
That final definition of balm changes the whole poem: not a cure, not protection from loss, but something fragrant and effective, for a time, against decay. It makes the claim for poetry smaller than salvation and, because of that, far more convincing.
I love the bit about “mosquito demons” and how it reminds me of how emails and oil changes are just these annoying little things that won’t go away til you squash them