Andrew explained the use of "poi" and "allora" perfectly, I would add only the meaning of "poi" used as besides (in Italian "inoltre", "in più", "tanto"): Ho preferito non uscire con loro, poi non gli interessava nemmeno che io andassi. I preferred not to go out with them, besides they wouldn't have appreciated my company. Another use of "poi" is this: Non è poi così noioso. He's not all that boring.

There is a broad area of superposition in the meanings as you realized; but /allora/ has several meanings, which I'll try to explain using some examples: 1) il treno e` partito senza di me e solo allora ho capito che era meglio cosi`. 2) La mancanza di pioggia ha reso il terreno arido e allora la coltivazione e` stata molto dura. 3) allora, quando pensi di darmi indietro i miei soldi ? Adesso e` a me che servono! 4) Allora, hai capito o no i numeri complessi ? meanings of /allora/ : (1) at that precise moment, in quel preciso momento (2) therefore, quindi (3) come on!, a strong invitation to do something (4) Now it's your turn! I think there could even be other meanings, but they don't come now to my mind; I think that for (maybe) any other language each meaning of /allora/ should use a different term. We use it quite often. /poi/ is a 'weak kind of 'dopo' /, meaning with that that /dopo/ (usually) requires a reference point in time, which /poi/ does not need. -- dopo che lui fu uscito potemmo parlare liberamente (reference time: quando lui usci`) -- poi ci parlammo liberamente Observe the two different constructs: -- prima viene la pioggia, poi l'arcobaleno, ma non sempre! -- dopo la pioggia viene l'arcobaleno, ma non sempre.

I am an English teacher so I am willing to help with English too. Please Cut these words from your status.... you haven't followed me ....Is this right?

Thanks! I appreciate the explanations :)