Here's why:
* Showing: This involves using vivid sensory details, metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to create a picture in the reader's mind. The poet relies on the reader's interpretation to draw their own conclusions.
* Telling: This involves explicitly stating the meaning or message of the poem. The poet directly comments on the subject, leaving little room for the reader's own interpretation.
By avoiding commentary, the poet allows the reader to experience the subject through their own lens, engaging their imagination and creating a more personal connection to the poem. This fosters a richer understanding of the poem's themes and emotions.
For example, instead of saying "The man was sad," a poet might write:
> "The rain fell on his face,
> Each drop a silent tear.
> The wind whispered through the trees,
> Mourning a love gone dear."
This imagery allows the reader to infer the man's sadness without the poet explicitly stating it. The reader is left to experience the emotion through the poet's carefully crafted details.