Question

in general, what conveys meaning in a poem?
the attitude a poet has about a subject
the punctuation used in a poem
the words a poet chooses about a subject
the ideas expressed in a poem.

Explanation:

In poetry, the words a poet selects are fundamental for conveying meaning. While attitude (tone) can add depth, it's the word - choice that forms the core. Punctuation is a minor aspect compared to words. Ideas are what the words aim to communicate, but it's the words themselves (their denotations, connotations, and arrangement) that actively convey meaning.

Answer:

the words a poet chooses about a subject