"Poetry is composing for the breath"

In this quote, Peter Davison is describing the essence of poetry. He recommends that poetry is not practically words on a page, however rather it is a kind of expression that is meant to be spoken and heard. The act of composing poetry resembles producing a melody for the breath, as if the words are meant to be sung or spoken in a rhythmic way. This highlights the significance of the oral tradition in poetry, where the words are suggested to be shared and experienced through the breath. It also highlights the power of poetry to stimulate emotions and get in touch with others on a much deeper level. Overall, this quote catches the essence of poetry as a type of artistic expression that is indicated to be experienced through the breath.