Starting by the analysis of the title, the reader can notice it is made up of one single word. Its meaning is rather vague and could rely on all the possible mental imagery of a person, but probably it wants to convey a precise image. The supposition is partly confirmed in the first stanza: the verb provides the reader the piece of information that the subject is singular and precisely definite.
From reading the first lines the reader becomes aware of the strong presence of modal adverbs and adjectives. An explanation may be found considering the intimate function of the poem: the main one is the presence of words that convey a subjective evaluation. As a matter of fact right from the title the reader can appreciate how the poet tries to hide the real meanings of the "image", that is something standing forsomething real and as a result the different grounds of the whole poem.
In the first stanza the "image" is characterized by personification ("in punta di piedi"): the poet would probably like to refer to a person whose presence is reminded by books and folders. The aspeaking voice relies on a resolved image looking apparently quiet but very determined in what it wants to pursue.
The balance of the situation suddenly breaks down in the poem, and a trouble together with a disruption incoming from the image creates a new atmosphere in which the image sums up new meanings. It reveals new attitudes and is described as a puzzle: each different piece in the metaphor reflects a definite kind of light during sunset, as does each very different aspect of a personality in life. The word "epifanico" could be revelatory of the invisible border existing between the image and the poet. After that the poet wonders if that image may be true and asks for philosophical elements ("Il Tempo, lo Spazio,...il Fuoco, l’Aria, l’Acqua") to gain a possible answer. The poem increases its stylistic level referring to the constitutive elements of the cosmos: from space and time to primordial substances, like fire, air and water.
Talking about water the poet first raises some doubts about the real presence of the image: in books, as in the water you can find what images you want because they haven’t got their definite shape but you aren’t completely sure of whether you are misunderstanding the real meaning of such shapes or not. In such confused atmosphere the poet adds exotic elements confusing the reader.He refers to very near and far worlds at the same time("Violino d’Irlanda") joins elements together in a sad atmosphere. One world could be imaginary and the other the real one from which the poet would escape.
The poem ends with a meta-poetic reflection of the author that takes refuge into the same poem, the only place that could join and melt reality and imagination. Dreams, hopes and memory could meet only inside a poem, and poetry fills in the bridge between what your spirit needs and what you have to face in your life.