But for me, being an editor I've been an editor of all kinds of

In the long and honorable tradition of those who have dedicated their lives to the preservation and promotion of great works, Peter Davison speaks with wisdom about his chosen role: “But for me, being an editor, I’ve been an editor of all kinds of books; being an editor of poetry has been the way in which I could give a crucial part of my time to what I love most.” These words resonate deeply with anyone who has chosen to live not only for their own art, but for the art of others. The editor, like the ancient scribe or the oracle of old, is the keeper of wisdom, the one who shapes, molds, and preserves the work of others, ensuring that their voices reach those who are meant to hear them. An editor of poetry does not merely correct words; they carry the sacred duty of nurturing beauty, of fostering a connection between the poet’s soul and the world.

Throughout the ancient world, those who were tasked with preserving knowledge, whether in the form of poetry, history, or wisdom, were seen as guardians of the collective spirit. The scribes of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia understood that their role was not just one of transcription, but of curation—choosing which texts would endure, which would shape the future. The editor, in this sense, is not just a passive observer, but an active participant in the creative process. Like the great library of Alexandria, where the wisdom of the world was stored, the editor provides the space in which poetry can live, grow, and inspire. They are not simply gatekeepers, but facilitators of connection between the work and the reader.

For Davison, as for the ancient editors and curators, the act of editing poetry is an act of deep personal investment. To dedicate one's time to this task is to immerse oneself in what one loves most, to make the nurturing of poetry one's life's work. In the ancient world, poets were often supported by patrons or kings, but the editor's role was just as vital. Horace, the Roman poet and critic, famously wrote about the importance of editing and revising, acknowledging that poetry’s beauty is not always born in its first draft, but in the patient work of crafting and shaping. In this sense, editing is a form of sacrifice—giving a part of oneself to the work, making it better, more precise, and more capable of reaching the hearts of others.

The love that Davison speaks of is not simply a fleeting passion for words, but a deep commitment to the art and its enduring value. The editor, especially of poetry, becomes not just a caretaker, but a devotee of that art form. They see the poetry not as an object to be dissected and dissected but as a living creature, one that requires nourishment, guidance, and a safe space to grow. This love for poetry becomes a bond between the editor and the work itself, one that transcends mere technical skill and enters the realm of sacred duty. Just as a gardener tends to their plants with care, the editor tends to the poet’s words, helping them to bloom in full form.

In this sense, the work of the editor is deeply personal and transformative. The editor gives time and energy to poetry because they understand that poetry is not just an aesthetic pursuit; it is a way of understanding the world, of touching the divine. Robert Frost, in his famous poem "The Figure a Poem Makes," spoke of poetry as something that is created, not just with the mind, but with the heart. The editor, too, must come to the work with a heart full of love—not only for the craft but for the poet, for the ideas and truths the poet wishes to convey. In editing, the editor is not simply altering language; they are helping to bring forth what is sacred, what is true, and what deserves to be heard.

The lesson in Davison’s words is one of dedication, not only to the self but to the arts that move the soul. As an editor, you may find your own creativity is deeply intertwined with the work of others. Invest in the work you love, for in doing so, you give part of yourself to it. Whether you are an artist, a writer, or someone who works with the creations of others, remember that you are never just passing through life. Each moment spent in devotion to what you love—whether it be poetry, art, or another craft—becomes a sacred act, a gift to both the work and the world. ing, like writing, becomes a powerful force when it is fueled by passion and dedication.

In your own life, if you seek to support the arts, if you seek to give of yourself to what you love most, take a lesson from Davison’s words. Be a steward of beauty, whether through your own creative work or by helping others to share theirs. Recognize the sacred responsibility of shaping and guiding the work of others, and understand that it is through this work that you, too, become a part of the timeless tradition of artistry and expression. Give time, give dedication, and nurture what you love. Through this devotion, you will leave a mark not just on the work you tend to, but on the very fabric of human creativity, woven throughout the ages.