Ghosts and Shadows: The central image in the poem is that of ghosts and shadows, representing the memories, emotions, and experiences of the past that continue to haunt the present. The poet creates a sense of the spectral and ethereal through lines such as "ghosts of the unbodied," "shadows of a dance," and "the ghost of that dance."
Water and Drowning: Water imagery is prominent in the poem, evoking feelings of submersion, drowning, and loss. The speaker references "deep water," "dark water," and "the deep well," suggesting a sense of being overwhelmed by emotions or memories that threaten to engulf the individual.
Mirrors and Reflections: Mirrors and reflections appear as symbols of self-contemplation and self-discovery. The speaker gazes into mirrors, seeking to understand her own identity and confront her inner complexities. The use of mirrors also hints at the idea of multiple selves and the fragmented nature of the human psyche.
Doors and Windows: Doors and windows symbolize both openness and barriers, representing the speaker's attempts to access or escape from the past. The references to "open windows" and "closed doors" suggest a tension between the desire to confront and the need to protect oneself from painful memories.
Light and Darkness: The contrast between light and darkness is used to create a sense of duality and ambiguity. The speaker experiences both moments of illumination and periods of obscurity, reflecting the shifting nature of memory and the uncertainty of the self.
Dreamlike Atmosphere: The poem has a dreamlike quality, with surreal imagery and blurred boundaries between reality and imagination. The speaker's navigation of memories and emotions is akin to navigating a dream world, where ordinary rules of logic and time do not apply.
These imageries work together to create a multisensory and evocative experience for the reader, enhancing the emotional impact of the poem and inviting a deeper exploration of the themes of memory, loss, and self-discovery.