The poets seldom mean what they say. There is usually something hidden
under a poem. That is, when the poets say something, they usually mean
something else, or something larger. To put it in Chinese, 詩總有絃外之音.
Dickinson had written a very good poem about this:


    Tell all the Truth but tell it slant--
    Success in Circuit lies
    Too bright for our infirm Delight
    The Truth's superb surprise

    As Lightning to the Children eased
    With explanation kind
    The Truth must dazzle gradually
    Or every man be blind--