It sounded from the article as though it had more to do with retention than simplification. Poetic expression optional, summarizing what you've read in your own words is a broadly-accepted method of internalizing the information.

It helps her to understand and remember it. You wouldn't use poetry for your own learning. I wouldn't either, but I don't expect others to only use what works for me. Some people would take notes, others might make visual diagrams, on paper or just in their head. Some people make narrative stories to help them learn and remember new concepts.

> I have no clue how it makes things any simpler

I'm sure it would make it simpler to her and probably keeps her motivated and encourages her to get a better understanding. It seems more of a way for her to personally understand the kernel, and she is just sharing the poems with everyone else for whoever wants to read.

Yes! That's definitely the way I think about it. These are just my way of taking notes, and I thought they'd be fun to share. I do it this way because writing a poem requires a bit of reflection, so, instead of just retaining nodes of information here and there I'm also capturing connections and concepts. The novelty of writing in prose also keeps things from seeming tedious. :)