What does Robert Frost mean by describing poetry as a “momentary stay against confusion”?

Robert Frost defined poetry as a “momentary stay against confusion” to describe how the act of writing and reading verse provides a brief, structured respite from the chaotic and often overwhelming nature of human experience.1

By crafting poems that impose order, rhythm, and form upon the complexities of life, the poet creates a temporary sense of clarity and stability. This definition suggests that while poetry cannot permanently solve the fundamental uncertainties or "desert places" of the human condition, it offers a vital, fleeting anchor that allows individuals to confront their fears and find meaning amidst the disorder of the world. Frost’s own work often utilized traditional metrical forms and quatrains to achieve this effect, demonstrating that even within strict artistic boundaries, a poet can capture the profound and often tragic realities of life in a way that provides solace to the reader.1