People were made of nothing so much as dust, and I couldn't see that doctoring all that dust was a bit better than writing poems people would remember and repeat to themselves when they were unhappy or sick and couldn't sleep.
The quote reflects the author’s contemplation of the human nature, highlighting our elemental composition as mere dust. This perspective suggests a certain futility in addressing the physical ailments of individuals when considering the deeper emotional and spiritual struggles they face. It implies that healing, or doctoring, may not hold as much value as the power of poetry, which can resonate with people during their hardships.
By comparing the practice of medicine to the art of poetry, the author elevates the latter as a means of providing solace and understanding. In times of distress, words hold the potential to comfort and inspire, creating lasting memories that can uplift individuals who are suffering. Thus, the notion of writing poetry becomes a noble pursuit, offering a form of healing that transcends the physical and taps into the emotional fabric of human experience.