The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1428: In Defense of “Candelabra with Heads” by Nicole Sealey
Jan 6, 2026
This edition delves into the fascinating world of poetic revision. A reflection reveals how seeing a piece anew can invigorate creativity. The tension between perfecting a poem and maintaining its essence is explored, highlighting the delicate balance of revision. Nicole Sealey's ekphrastic poem sheds light on the poignant choices made during the creative process. The episode culminates in a reading that underscores the significance of reinstating a line that addresses historical violence, celebrating the power of words in the process.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Revise With Purpose, Not Excess
- Revise with purpose and avoid overworking a piece until it loses its spark.
- Revisit drafts to solve creative problems but stop when polishing dulls the poem's life.
Revision's Creative Tension
- Revision both clarifies and can move you away from the original spark that drove the work.
- That push-and-pull makes revision a dynamic hunt for something felt, not fully seen.
A Poem That Lost—and Regained—Its Line
- Maggie describes Nicole Sealey revising an ekphrastic poem tied to Thomas Hirschhorn's sculpture.
- Sealey removed a final line and later reinstated it, illustrating revision's nonlinearity.