The poet's intent has very little to do with the way it is received. A fine poet with a careful hand will match up at least one set of meanings with the reader, but the subtleties that exist due to different experiences, cultures and emotions are where true poetry lies. Poetry is the skill to draw Windows where previously only walls existed.
Yes, a poet could explicate things - but why? The beauty of poetry is the way it allows the reader to come to his/her own realisations on the nature of the world, the universe and the human condition. One could tell, via lecture, or one can show, via poetry.
If all you want is to be told what and how to think, in plain and unambiguous language, then poetry will never be the medium for you.
Yes, a poet could explicate things - but why? The beauty of poetry is the way it allows the reader to come to his/her own realisations on the nature of the world, the universe and the human condition. One could tell, via lecture, or one can show, via poetry.
If all you want is to be told what and how to think, in plain and unambiguous language, then poetry will never be the medium for you.
It could be worse