The Forests in Winter

[Ashok1]

Achebe- Does everything have to mean exactly what it says?

No. Metaphors are an obvious example of a meaning different than the literal one, and they are freely used in poetry.
But you need to avoid mixing them up, as in the case of mantles having arms: not just in poetry, but in writing more generally.

Thanks very much- very helpful. Clearly a lot of work for me to do!