The Murmur
The murmur in the trees is the initiating element of the poem. This barely audible and not easily discernible sound gets the speaker to start imagining the existence of an entire hidden world. Thus, the murmur is the establishing symbol of the poem indicating mystery and perhaps even the existence of magical enchantment.
Hubbub
The hubbub is described as sounding like feet walking. A simile situates this sound as being similar to that of human feet, but not quite the same thing. This slight divergence from the norm makes the hubbub a symbol of how the forest creatures are only, at best, humanoid, but definitely exist in some enchanted dimension.
The Forest
Although not explicitly defined as a forest or even the woods, the language definitely indicates the setting as being away from city life. The forest has long been a symbol of nature in its most unfettered state. Like the forests of Shakespeare's comedies, the magical quality of the woods symbolizes the opposite of civilization. In this case, specifically, the trees are a symbol of the magical quality of the imagination before the arrival of the Industrial Revolution.
Houses Unperceived
The speaker writes of little men returning to their homes. The specific description indicates that their houses are always present but remain unperceived by most. The inherent symbolism in this description is that it is only through the focused perception that one can see all the small miracles of life. These houses that are in full view while not being perceived symbolize what is missing when one lacks a sense of wonder.
The Road
The speaker concludes the poem by addressing the reader directly. She promises to remain on her road while advising those without a sense of wonder and imagination to stay on their own path. The Road symbolizes the journey one takes through life. For the speaker, that road is off the beaten track it may take longer to arrive at a destination, but will be filled with adventure.
