It's different from a summary or a paraphrase, which is a short explanation of WHAT the poem says.
An analysis is an explanation of HOW the author said what he or she said. You examine the choices the author made (to rhyme or not; what kind of meter, if any, was used; whether to use literal or figurative language; to use this particular metaphor or personification or whatever), and how each of those choices contributes or adds to the meaning that the poem conveys to readers.
Comments
It's different from a summary or a paraphrase, which is a short explanation of WHAT the poem says.
An analysis is an explanation of HOW the author said what he or she said. You examine the choices the author made (to rhyme or not; what kind of meter, if any, was used; whether to use literal or figurative language; to use this particular metaphor or personification or whatever), and how each of those choices contributes or adds to the meaning that the poem conveys to readers.