This song presents a vivid and atmospheric narrative steeped in imagery and symbolism. Let's delve into a detailed commentary on its themes, structure, and meaning.

Theme and Imagery
Journey and Exploration:
The song revolves around a knight embarking on a journey, symbolized by twelve moons on the banner. This signifies both a passage of time and perhaps the presence of cycles—suggesting a deeper, possibly metaphysical quest.
Nature and Mysticism:
The landscape, described as "green, like an overgrown pond," evokes a sense of ancient, untamed, and perhaps a bit eerie nature. The interaction with this landscape is mystical; it's alive, yet secretive, providing no guidance or answers. This mysticism is further emphasized by the mysterious "invisible path" suggesting an undefined journey or quest.
Isolation and Reflection:
The darkness around the knight and their horse creates a sense of isolation. This darkness not only conceals their physical surroundings but also symbolizes the unknown elements of their journey. The recurring notion of "the sky will tell us nothing, and the forest will tell us nothing," underscores a theme of introspection versus external guidance—highlighting the futility of seeking wisdom from the unresponsive external world.
Characters and Symbolism
The Knight and Horse:
The knight and horse are more than mere travelers; they symbolize a blend of certainty and naivety. The "knight-shadow" suggests a spectral or archetypal entity—something between reality and myth. The horse, being both "brave and winged," represents unbridled youth and potential, suggesting a closeness to nature and its untapped wisdom.
The Shadow Maiden:
Her presence in the "sleepless dwelling" adds a layer of ethereal femininity to the narrative. She is a spectral observer, tied to the eternal and cyclical aspects of nature, perhaps symbolizing an unreachable ideal or wisdom.
Elements of Nature
The Forest and Sky:
These elements are ever-present yet indifferent. Their silence is illustrated as a contrast to the expectations of the knight. The environment acts more as a backdrop to internal journeys rather than a source of answers.
Animals and Weather:
The animals, like the knight's horse, seem more in tune with nature. They react instinctively—signifying that perhaps there exists an understanding of the natural world unavailable to the knight. Weather, like the promise of "big rains in February," acts as both harbinger and eternal pattern, reinforcing the impersonal continuity of nature.
Structure and Tone
Lyrical and Prose:
Structured in free verse, the song utilizes a lyrical style rich in imagery and symbolism. The tone is contemplative, almost melancholic, resonant with an 'eternal quest' motif.
Repetition and Rhythm:
The repetitions ("the sky will tell us nothing, and the forest will tell us nothing") create a rhythmic cadence that reinforces the recurring themes of silence, expectation, and introspection.
Conclusion
This song captures the essence of a metaphysical journey—examining themes of solitude, the inscrutability of nature, and the eternal quest for meaning. The interplay between the characters, their journey, and the natural imagery weaves a narrative rich in symbolism and emotional depth. The absence of direct answers from the sky or forest elevates the internal journey above the external, highlighting the existential struggle for understanding within a vast and indifferent universe.