Reflections on the Past

Why does the poet want to “unlearn all these muting things”?

What does the mirror reveal about the poet’s laughter?

How does the poet’s desire to relearn connect to the theme of nostalgia?

What role does the son play in the poem?

How does the poem explore the loss of authenticity in social interactions?

What emotions do you think the poet feels as he reflects on the past?

Can you relate any personal experiences to the themes in this poem?

What message do you think the poet wants to convey to the reader?

How would you interpret the phrase “like a snake’s bare fangs” in the context of laughter?

What impact does the repetition of “once upon a time” have on the poem?