Here's why:
* Visual Clarity: Indentation helps readers distinguish between stanzas. It makes the poem easier to read and understand.
* Rhythm and Flow: Indentation can emphasize the rhythm and flow of a poem, guiding the reader through the verses.
* Traditional Form: Many traditional poetic forms, like sonnets and villanelles, use indentation as part of their structure.
However, there are exceptions and variations:
* Free Verse: Poems written in free verse often don't use traditional indentation. They rely on other elements like line breaks and white space to create visual impact.
* Modern Poetry: Modern poets sometimes experiment with indentation, using it in unique ways to emphasize certain lines or sections of the poem.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to indent is up to the poet. It's a stylistic choice that can be used to enhance the poem's meaning and impact.