In the poem "Pale Fire" by Vladimir Nabokov, the speaker reflects on feelings of loss and identity through powerful imagery. The mention of being a shadow suggests a fleeting existence, overshadowed by external perceptions represented by the "false azure" of the windowpane. This illusion highlights the disconnect between the speaker's inner self and how they are perceived by the outside world.

The lines convey a sense of transformation, where the speaker identifies with a "smudge of ashen fluff," symbolizing a past marked by disillusionment. Yet, despite this, there is a resilience to "live on" and "fly on," indicating a continuous journey within a mirrored reality. The phrase "reflected sky" further emphasizes the duality of existence, suggesting a struggle to find one's true essence amidst the façades that life presents.