Here's what we can glean from the poem's use of night imagery:
* Darkness and Absence: The poem emphasizes the importance of silence and "nothingness" in poetry. Night, with its darkness and absence of light, can be seen as a metaphor for this creative void where poems are born. Lines like "A poem should be equal to: Not true" and "A poem should be equal to: Not false" suggest that truth and falsehood are irrelevant in poetry. Instead, the poem should stand as a separate entity, much like a dark space, free from the constraints of reality.
* The Creative Process: Night can also symbolize the creative process itself. The poet, in their solitude during the night, is able to delve into their subconscious and draw inspiration from the darkness. The poem's focus on the "unheard" and the "unseen" suggests that the poet must explore the hidden depths of their imagination, like navigating a nocturnal landscape.
* The Unknown: The poem's emphasis on the "unheard" and the "unseen" also alludes to the mystery and wonder associated with night. This evokes a sense of exploration and discovery, akin to a journey into the unknown. Poetry, like the night, holds the potential for revelation and new understanding.
It's important to remember that poetry is open to interpretation, and each reader will bring their own experiences and understanding to the text. While night doesn't have a definitive meaning in "Ars Poetica," its imagery contributes to the poem's overall theme of artistic creation and the pursuit of a unique form of truth beyond the confines of reality.