Butterfly113,
Tamara did a great job of answering the question about DITHR. DITHR is a recommended part of the HOD programs. It is a necessary part of literature study and is the way we cover the story elements, higher level thinking, and reading with moral discernment through Godly character quality studies using the Bible. DITHR actually is HOD, as we've written it ourselves!
We also do cover all of the poetry elements you listed through our poetry study included within Bigger Hearts, and then many of these elements are reinforced again in Preparing Hearts.

We will most likely be taking a break from the study of poetry elements within the new ancients guide and instead return to focusing on the enjoyment of poetry, along with using painting to express the poetry. We are still working out the specifics of the daily lesson content in the poetry portion of the ancients guide, so I can't be more specific than that at this point.
Blessings,
Carrie