Question

why does the poet most likely use the words "damp and brown" to describe the sands?

Answer 1

Answer: The words are taken from the poem The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls.

With damp, the poet meant to say something that is burred or soaked, and by the color brown the poet tries to portray sadness.

Therefore the intention if the poet is to create an unsettling and haunting situation.