Here are some key elements and possible interpretations:
The Pool as a Symbol:
* The pool itself represents the passage of time. It's stagnant and unchanging, yet the light and shadows play upon it, suggesting the ever-shifting nature of life.
* The pool can also symbolize memory. It holds within it the reflections of the past, which are both beautiful and ultimately lost.
* Furthermore, the pool embodies the transient nature of beauty. The "white" water lilies, "the white, the fragile," are beautiful but ephemeral.
The Poem's Structure:
* The poem's free verse structure reflects the fluidity of time and memory. It doesn't follow a rigid form, but rather flows organically, reflecting the ebb and flow of the speaker's thoughts.
* The use of imagery is evocative and often symbolic. "the white, the fragile" water lilies are juxtaposed with the "dark" water, suggesting the contrast between beauty and decay.
* The poem's fragmented and elliptical nature contributes to its dreamlike atmosphere. It's as if the speaker is piecing together memories and impressions, rather than presenting a clear and linear narrative.
Overall Meaning:
The poem suggests that beauty is fleeting and that time inevitably erodes all things. The speaker seems to be grappling with the loss of something precious, perhaps a past love or a period of youthful innocence. Yet, there is also a sense of acceptance, a recognition that even in the face of decay and transience, there is still beauty to be found.
Possible interpretations:
* The poem could be read as a meditation on the cycle of life and death.
* It could also be viewed as a lament for lost youth and the passage of time.
* Some critics have suggested that the poem is a reflection of H.D.'s own experiences with war and loss.
Ultimately, the meaning of "The Pool" is open to interpretation. The poem's beauty lies in its evocation of a particular mood and atmosphere, and in its ability to resonate with readers on a personal level. The poem is a powerful reminder of the fragility of beauty and the inevitability of time's passage.