I will restrict myself to considering silent reading rather than reading aloud.

Here's a sweeping generalization: 
When people read silently, they do so in one of two ways - with or without subvocalising. Subvocalising? That is the process where the reader hears the words being spoken inside his/her head when reading them. The voice may be that of the reader, or that of the author. For example, I can read a Sam Hunt poem, and hear my voice saying it inside my head, or I can hear his voice saying it, in his peculiar style.

If I am not subvocalising, then I am reading the words and taking in the meaning - perhaps picturing the ideas inside my head instead of hearing  the words. Speed readers tend to eliminate subvocalising.

Both of these methods have a major significance for poets.

Why do you read poetry?

     There are a thousand reasons. I will only pick a couple. What sets poetry apart from prose, is its form, its structure. These are forged from centuries of traditions and mutations of those traditions. When I read poetry, I gain pleasure from recognizing those familiar forms, and from observing the process of mutation, as poets seek to challenge or expand the traditions.
     These forms embody rhythmic elements, and stylistic elements. When reading poetry, I enjoy recognizing these elements, for they are like an old, familiar, favourite garment. But new clothes are also exciting, and so I enjoy discovering new rhythms and styles.
      But these are merely the substructure of poetry. What also sets poetry apart from prose is its subject matter. Picking up that
broad broom of generalization again, poetry tends to deal with a
more heightened subject matter than prose, and deals with it in a more elaborate manner. Poetry can afford to be more grand, grandiose, grandiloquent than prose. And it is generally more succinct, more punchy. That's what I like about poetry - it's a higher flyer.

With the preparatory questions dealt with, it's time to tackle the
original question.

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