* Melancholy: The poem opens with a sense of loss and sadness, the speaker lamenting the absence of a loved one. The imagery of "slow, soft feet" and "the stillness" evokes a somber atmosphere.
* Longing: The speaker yearns for something missing, expressed through phrases like "a shadow" and "a whisper." This longing is both for the physical presence of the lost loved one and for the understanding that proof provides.
* Uncertainty: The poem grapples with doubts and questions. The speaker is not sure what they are looking for, asking "Of what, of whom, of what" and "Must we have proof?" This uncertainty contributes to a sense of unease and confusion.
* Hopeful yearning: Despite the melancholy and uncertainty, there's an underlying thread of hope. The speaker desires "the proof," suggesting a belief that understanding or closure is possible. The final image of "the sunrise" can be interpreted as a symbol of renewal and possibility.
Therefore, the mood of "Proof" can be described as melancholy, tinged with longing and a hopeful yearning for understanding, amidst a backdrop of uncertainty.
It's important to note that Emily Dickinson's poetry often invites individual interpretation, and readers may experience different moods based on their own perspectives and understanding.