Two small gestures of nature do the work in this short poem. In the first half, the wind carries leaves to touch the cheeks of people whose faces are wet with tears. The gesture is gentle, almost like a hand wiping away sadness. In the second half, the Sun appears in all its glory, something the people "couldn't believe," and it reminds them of better days.
The speaker seems to be watching, or remembering, a moment of grief slowly easing. The title, with its "July" and its "memory of a sunset," suggests the scene is looked back on from a distance, which gives the poem a soft, wistful tone. Judging by the imagery, the sadness isn't erased, since the tears are only being dried, but warmth and beauty break through it. The mood is tender and quietly hopeful, with a touch of nostalgia. Nature here is a kind companion, offering comfort without needing words.