Nurture

Reflecting on a distant memory of the speaker's fourth birthday.

Comparing the memory to a still image.

Suggesting that the memory was forgotten by everyone.

Realizing the significance of the forgotten memory later on.

Describing newspapers as a metaphorical graveyard of forgotten stories.

Portraying newspapers as tombstones or memorials.

Referring to an unknown man, possibly a father figure, never truly known but cherished in memory.

Comparing the man to a silver swan, suggesting a delicate and cherished image.

Introducing a forest created in the speaker's imagination.

Highlighting a warrior persona in the speaker's imagined world.

Describing a sense of belonging and strength in the imaginary forest.

Expressing a desire to avoid the hardships faced in real life.

Symbolizing resilience with strong and unbreakable bones.

Comparing the speaker's strength in the imaginary world to vulnerability in reality.

Expressing a wish for growth and improvement to overcome challenges.

Pleading for someone to stay longer, perhaps seeking support or companionship.

Could you stay a little longer please?

Shifting to a different setting, possibly a reflective moment in lamplight.

Describing a feeling of comfort and protection, like a swaddled baby.

Indicating an escape into literature, reading to lose oneself.

Using literature, particularly the Brothers Grimm, as a refuge.

Creating a metaphorical shield to hide from conflict or turmoil.

Made a magic box to hide the shouting in

Describing a tumultuous and angry environment that persists.

Biting at each other's heels

In an angry fog that never seemed to clear

Expressing resilience despite challenges, garnering pride.

Coz I did pretty well anyway

Requesting continued presence and support from someone important.

But could you stay a little longer please?

Could you stay a little longer please?

Jumping to the age of fifteen, symbolizing a period of transition.

Experiencing a vulnerable moment, falling on skinny knees.

Apologizing and expressing love while acknowledging personal shortcomings.

You know I love you more than anyone

But I must've got the message wrong

Coz the more I tried the more I came undone

Describing someone who knew how to uplift but also contribute to personal struggles.

Knew just how to build you up

And then chip away till you went wrong

Repeating the plea for extended companionship and understanding.

Could you stay a little longer please?

Transitioning to age 23 and seeking someone to follow into chaos.

Entering a cacophony of challenges and unresolved issues from the past.

Into a cacophony

Of all of all of the things I'd fled

Receiving support, but feeling the weight of emotional burden.

Gave me every part of him

But my ribs were breaking with the weight of it

Leaving, a well-practiced action by this point in the speaker's life.

So well rehearsed at leaving beds by then

Growing up, moving on, and finding new love with someone cherished.

Moving to a new home

With the man my heart holds

Dearer than anyone

And I'm a mess

Expressing insecurity about the future of the new relationship.

Coz that's all that I've come to expect

Contradicting the initial expectation, realizing the heart is growing and improving.

I'm surprised to feel my heart

Getting bigger

And better

Expressing a sense of fulfillment and improvement at last.