The quote from "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood reflects a profound sense of despair and the passage of time. The imagery of the moon as a giant, heavy omen suggests a looming sense of doom that the character feels every month. The cyclical nature of the moon mirrors the repetitive experiences of longing and emptiness that plague her. This feeling of despair is portrayed as an unavoidable, almost predatory presence, akin to famine, creeping closer with each cycle of the moon.

The speaker's introspection reveals a deep emotional struggle, as she listens to the relentless rhythm of her heart, which signifies both life and suffering. This "wave upon wave" of feelings illustrates the ongoing battle between hope and despair. The use of vivid, tactile imagery emphasizes the weight of her experience, capturing a sense of stagnation as time continues to march on, leaving her in a state of profound isolation and yearning.