The poem opens with an image of clouds exhausted from rain: they have given their all. The couple is introduced into the poem as they take advantage of the break in the rain to go for a walk. In the next stanza, the earth is personified as it gulps for air after being drenched with rain. The couple skirts around the lake. Skirting indicates that they are killing time and avoiding something.
The next stanza introduces the winter swans. Two swans come in front of the couple, showing their unity while tipping their heads. The mention of the weight down their necks further confirms their unison and readiness to take on any challenge together. In the following stanza, the swans get separated in the dark water for a moment. They “halve” themselves before coming together again, like boats during rough weather.
The focus of the poem shifts back to the couple. The speaker's partner remarks that swans mate for life while the speaker keeps silent. As they continue to walk, their hands find their way to each other. The poem ends by identifying the couple with the swans: the hands of the couple are folded over each other like wings.
