Winter Afternoons –
That oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes –
Heavenly Hurt, it gives us –
We can find no scar
But internal difference
Where the Meanings, are –
None may teach it – Any –
'Tis the Seal Despair –
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the Air –
When it comes, the Landscape listens –
Shadows – hold their breath –
When it goes, 'tis like the Distance
On the look of Death –
The single noun “Shadows” is for the reader to interpret. It could imply death, sin, mystery.  That they “hold their breath” echoes the “Heavenly Hurt” in stanza two, with its sighing aspirate “H"s. Why they do so is also open to interpretation — perhaps the pain is too deep to bear.
Theres a certain Slant of light