To be sung in the water- Luoise bogan

[Sidd]

Hi, I'm a choir conductor and I'm trying to understand this poem by Louise bogan, which was set to music by Samuel Barber:


TO BE SUNG ON THE WATER
By Louise Bogan

Beautiful, my delight,
Pass, as we pass the wave.
Pass, as the mottled night
Leaves what it cannot save,
Scattering dark and bright.


Beautiful, pass and be
Less than the guiltless shade
To which our vows were said;
Less than the sound of the oar
To which our vows were made, -
Less than the sound of its blade
Dipping the stream once more.


I think it is about a couple rowing in a boat, probably on the river they felt in love and the poem try to evoke the beauty of the night and the calm sound of the oars in the water.

I'm bringing this up because I'd like to know your take on "pass" which I believe is the key, I don't know, it could refer to life (we are always moving forward) or to death ("be less than the shade....") or I could be thinking too much about it.

Plus, what would be what the night can not save? is it the day? is it dawning?

Any ideas are welcome!