I feel like this poem is reflecting on how telling the truth is not the correct choice always. While telling the truth is the best option in most cenarios, there are times where the truth will only make things worse. This reminds me of the parents that tell their kid that they're pet was sent to a farm, when in reality the pet died. It is truth that doesn't need to be told in the moment, as it will only make things worse.

This is partly saying that publicizing your work is selling out, because it no longer has as much personal value

It seems like the man takes this as a joke but it has a deeper meaning, Is she showing her unhappiness through sarcasm?