How does the poet use of figurative language contribute to her central idea?

I have no idea what the poet is talking about, but can give a general idea of why they use figurative language.

Figurative language is just as it says, figurative. It uses expressions with a meaning different from the literal definition. When a writer uses figurative language, they're stating the facts as they appear to be, normally exaggerating. Uses of figurative language include metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbolas, symbolism, et cetera. It's often used to sover the use of a specific type of word or word meaning. 
Hope this helped!