4.7 "Show, Don't Tell" and Free Verse

Show, Don't Tell - 1

Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.
– Anton Chekhov

(Source: Goodreads)

What is meant by "Show, Don't Tell"?

You can tell your readers that:

Joe was tired,

or you can show that:

Joe rubbed his eyes and willed himself to keep them open.

You can tell your readers:

It is early spring,

or you can show that:

New buds are pushing through the late frost while the birds are hastily reinforcing their nests.