The poem opens with the speaker comparing grief to a "slow, unmoving weight," suggesting its heavy and oppressive presence. This weight is further emphasized by the image of a "sickly, pale" moon that hangs "in the night's black hair," symbolizing the speaker's own emotional darkness.
The speaker then shifts to another metaphor, describing grief as a "deep, unfathomed sea" that has swallowed their loved one. This metaphor highlights the overwhelming and boundless nature of grief, suggesting that it can never be truly overcome.
Despite the overwhelming nature of her grief, the speaker finds some solace in the memory of her lost loved one. She compares these memories to "a single star" that shines "through the dark abyss," providing a glimmer of light in the darkness.
The final lines of the poem reveal the speaker's acceptance of the enduring nature of grief. She acknowledges that it will always be a part of her, but she also finds strength in the love that remains, even in the face of loss.
In essence, "Grief" is a meditation on the painful and enduring nature of grief, but also on the power of love to provide solace and strength in the face of loss. The poem's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors allows the reader to connect with the speaker's emotional journey, making it a timeless and relatable exploration of the human experience of grief.