Here's a breakdown of the elements that contribute to the tone:
* Imagery: The poem uses imagery of coolness, stillness, and darkness, creating a somber atmosphere that contrasts with the vibrant life of the speaker's youth.
* Word Choice: Words like "ashes," "dust," "decay," and "silence" reinforce the themes of death and the passing of time.
* Structure: The poem's regular rhyme scheme and meter create a sense of formal distance, which further emphasizes the speaker's detachment from the world.
* Theme: The poem explores the inevitability of death and the insignificance of individual lives in the grand scheme of things. This theme is presented in a resigned, almost philosophical manner.
While there is a sense of sadness, it is not one of despair or anger. The speaker seems to have accepted the reality of death and is finding a measure of peace in the natural cycle of life and death. This is why the tone can be described as "melancholy" rather than "depressed."
Ultimately, the tone of "Cool Tombs" is one of quiet reflection and acceptance, inviting the reader to contemplate their own mortality and the meaning of life.