The ‘them’ he is talking about in the first line is other readers, such as the students he has taught over the years, and literary critics. He would like them to explore a poem, and offers several images of experiential investigation, all related to physical sensations. First there is holding it up to the light, then listening to it. The word ‘hive’ suggests the poem is full of something you can hear buzzing if only you listen. The hive is also full of honey, a pleasure you can taste.