The Storm (Allegory)
The poem opens with suggestive imagery of a recent storm. After two days of cloudy skies and rain, the couple at the center of the poem takes a walk. This foreshadows information delivered later which very strongly hints that the couple has passed through the metaphorical storm of a recent argument or disagreement.
Rolling Weights (Symbol)
As the couple stop to watch the swans, they see them tipping in unison "As if rolling weights down their bodies to their heads" (Line 9). The reference to weights alludes to the couple's argument or disagreement still weighing on their minds. The swans are able to roll the weights along themselves, signifying the ability to allow something heavy to move through oneself. This is what the couple needs to learn to do if they are to reconcile.
The Afternoon Light (Symbol)
The poem begins with a scene of cloudy skies and finishes with afternoon light. As the couple makes their way through that light, it symbolizes them having successfully navigated through the metaphorical storm which recently brought a weight down upon their relationship.
The Swans (Symbol)
The swans are, of course, intended to mirror this specific human couple, but their symbolic meaning extends beyond the couple in the poem. The observation that swans mate for life makes them a symbol of monogamous love. In order to stay united, a couple must weather their storms and navigate through times of darkness, just as the swans swim together through dark water.
