The speaker is talking to someone who keeps getting knocked down by life and always manages to stand back up, smile, and brush off the dust. There is real admiration in that observation, but also a quiet sadness. This person can recover from every blow except one thing: the darkness that stays in their eyes. The “bruised brown” eyes give away the pain that the smile tries to hide. The mood is tender and sorrowful, as if the speaker is watching someone they care about pretend to be fine while carrying deep hurt. It captures how endurance can look strong on the surface but still leave visible marks underneath.
O.F.T. — Summary
You have always gotten up after blows And smiled... and shaken off the dust... Only you could not shake the darkness From off the bruised brown of your eyes.