Original Poem

Stanza to Stanza
Understanding Guide
1.

Now why so loving, darling,

And why the sudden kiss?
Youd help me with some little
jobs?
For goodness sake, whats
this?
Your face is clean for once,
dear.
Your clothes without a crease.
You saved your luncheon
money?
Will wonders never cease?
No dropping of your school
books,
No shrieking, childish treble.
Today you are a lamb, love,
Where yesterday a rebel.
But surely youre some
stranger,
No rage or hullabaloo.
Come closer, let me look, dear,
Can this be REALLY you?
Now were you struck by
lightning
Or were you stunned at sport?
Ah Now I see the reason.
Youve brought your school

Who is the voice

(persona)?
2. Who the persona is talking
to?
3. What happened?
4. What are the little jobs
meant?

1.
2.

1.
2.

What happened here?

Cease = stop

What happened?
What is the different now
and the past?

1. Can the persona believe

that happen?
2. Why the persona said the
child is a stranger now?

1.

The persona keeps asking

the reasons of what is
happening.
2. Why do you think that
happens?

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