Do you want a line-by-line analysis, or an overview? An
elaboration of this poem could easily be googled and found.
Simply put, this is a love poem -- of which the persona is probably
someone who has nothing else to offer but his hopes and
dreams.
The first stanza is clear enough -- he wishes for heaven's
"embroidered cloths" to place at his beloved's feet. "Embroidered
cloths" here means the stars and skies, and could be a metaphor for
the best material trappings, but I personally prefer to think of it
as being symbolic of the world, is "everything", the Alpha and the
Omega, the be-all and end-all of things. All these he wishes he
could offer to her, as an expression of his enduring, encompassing
love, rich and full in his sincerity to please her and worship
her.
It's as straightforward as the childish vows and promises we are
too likely to commit in the throes of puppy love, eg "Oh I wish I
can pluck the stars from the skies and adorn your hair." Sounds
familiar?
The lines alluding to "night, light and the half-light" continues
the celestial imagery established prior, and also signifies the
person's seamless love for his sweetheart. The variation in colour,
turning from dark to light to in-between, could also be
representative of enduring love -- a love that is rich and textured
and not at all superficial.
But alas, alack -- the persona is only human. He recognises that in
spite of his intentions, he is unfortunately bound by limitations.
He says, "I being poor, have only my dreams" -- and it is these
dreams and hopes that he could offer his love. Like the heavens
(just think "the sky's the limit") his dreams are infinite, and
equally precious.
As such, he cautions his love to recognise the worth of what he's
offered, and prays that she'd "tread softly" -- i.e. not to take
the relationship lightly, because he sure doesn't -- for she
"treads upon my dreams".
Of couse, I could elaborate at length, but I've only 15 minutes to
spare -- hopefully this gives you a better insight on Yeat's lovely
stuff.
