The positive image of childhood as "rid[ing] in the ice cart" and finding "wasps nests" represents childhood as joyful and free (Page 7-11). Even the "long walk home" is not viewed as a negative thing during youth and produces an aura of exploring and experiencing all sorts of things, as well as enjoying nature (Page, 8). When discussing childhood the imagery of nature is viewed as positive and delightful with "high tides" and "green vine" (Page, 9-10). Conversely the image of a "snow-storm of paper" is used to describe the work of adulthood, portraying nature in a negative way (Page, 3). Instead of being free to experience new things the speaker is confined to doing the same thing over and over again. Nothing is satisfying; "no wind for the kites of their hearts" creates the image of work drawing out ones life as "the boy-friends of blood" furthers the vision of the confinement of adult life (Page, 17-20). The use of the word "kites" renders up an image of a child playing outside with a kite, however it is quickly shattered when it becomes attached to the negativity of a mindless job (Page, 17). .
What was once fun and exciting does not exist in the world of adulthood, just as the joys of lunch are non-existent. Lunch is supposed to bring one respite from the job, but it is presented as the workers "anguish" where even though "they move they are stagnant" creating an image of one being unhappy with ones time at work (Page, 21-22). Page's use of antithesis with the words, move and stagnant, presents a strong image of one moving onward yet not growing as they did as a child, thus ones life has become stagnant. Presenting childhood in a positive manner, alluding to the freedom it encompasses, the drudgery of adulthood is solidified when even sleep brings no freedom from monotony.
