The narrative reveals deep feelings tied to the speaker's bridal gown, which, despite its stunning design, was never completed. The gown features exquisite materials like ivory lace and silk, but remains merely a vision, untouched and unsewn. This beautiful attire symbolizes both hope and disappointment, representing an unfulfilled dream that never came to fruition.

Additionally, the speaker reflects on the irony of the bridal train—an element of the gown that seems more impractical than functional. It trails on dirty steps, revealing the fleeting beauty of a moment that quickly becomes tainted. This sense of loss is profound, as it suggests that the speaker feels married to a different reality, recalling a sense of captivity shared with her mother. The wedding, therefore, feels like a second chance, overshadowed by the bittersweet memories of what never was.