The four columns of mire could be the bridges connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, except that there are three bridges with at least three columns each.

Spikenards are costly perfumed oils of ancient times used primarily for their fragrance. So when I read “spikenards of drafted anguish” I understand “fragrant oils of anguish selected for a certain purpose”. What does this mean?

“furious swarming coins / penetrate like drills and devour abandoned children.” Hmmm…

I don’t understand.