This lyrical 35-line poem is observational and philosophical in tone. The poem is a calligram, the visual layout of which mirrors its subject. Thematically, the poem is divided into two halves: The first is about the wonder associated with the appearance of the swan, and the second is melancholy in tone, expressing regret that neither the swimming swan nor its reflection in the moment can be captured. In this sense, the swan and its reflection are a metaphor for life and joy. Every moment is evanescent, and perhaps beauty and happiness can only be experienced, never caught or retained. Another interpretation is that the poem is itself an attempt to capture the moment of poetic inspiration: the arrival of the swan. The poet understands that his words cannot recreate the actual swan, even though the poem’s layout makes that attempt.

“Swan and Shadow” is an experimental poem, in that it plays with the form of poetry. Line and word spacing are important to retain the structure of the swan. Additionally, the poet does not use punctuation and instead creates breaks through empty space and capitalization. The first half of the poem demonstrates a call-and-response technique, with the speaker posing and then answering a question.