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“If ever she’s poor and old and grey,
When her own dear boy is far away.”
When her own dear boy is far away.”
Line by Line
Line 33: "“If ever she’s poor and old and grey,"
Important words
if ever
→ if this happens at any time
Meaning:
He imagines that his own mother may one day become old, poor and grey.
Line 34: "When her own dear boy is far away.”"
Important words
far away
→ not nearby to help
Meaning:
He imagines being absent when his mother needs help.
Summary of Stanza 17
" If ever she’s poor and old and grey, "
(He imagines that his own mother may one day become old, poor and grey.)
" When her own dear boy is far away. "
(He imagines being absent when his mother needs help.)
Overall meaning: He imagines a future when his mother may be old and he may be far away.
