* The tide's rhythm: The tide's constant rise and fall symbolize the cyclical nature of life and death. The traveler, facing the incoming tide, is metaphorically facing the end of his journey.
* The traveler's solitude: The traveler walks alone on the beach, suggesting isolation and a sense of finality. He is separated from the world by the vastness of the ocean and the encroaching darkness.
* The fading light: The poem mentions the "darkening sea" and the "sunset" which are often associated with death and the end of a day.
* The traveler's footprints: The traveler's footprints are "washed away" by the rising tide. This imagery symbolizes the impermanence of human life and how our presence is ultimately erased by time.
* The "sound of the tide" and "the roar of the waves": These sounds are described as "drowning" the traveler's footsteps. This could symbolize the overwhelming force of death, silencing the traveler's life.
* The traveler's "haunting" presence: The traveler's "haunting" presence is emphasized in the poem's final lines, suggesting that his memory persists even after he is gone. This creates a sense of melancholy and reinforces the idea that life, though finite, leaves a lasting impact.
It is important to note that the poem's interpretation is open to different readings. Some might argue that the traveler is simply a representation of humanity's ephemeral existence. However, the poem's use of symbolism and imagery strongly suggests that the traveler's journey is coming to an end.