Timless vs Specific poems: Some poems were written to reflect a specific time, or person, or were even written for a specific person or group of people. Others were meant to dig into subjects that all of humanity have  experienced.  Some poems are so time specific, dealing with politics, or personalities of the time, that research is required to fully understand the poem. Others require thought or observation, but have no other obligation. 

Author's voice: Did the poet want themselves to be a known force in their poem? Is it written from a concrete perspective, or did they want their voice to be more general. Should we factor them into our understanding of the poem or leave them out.