The poem opens with the command “Listen, children:” (Line 1). The statement is an addressed command accentuated by the placement of a colon after the word “children” (Line 1). The colon placement after the word “children” signals that an explanation is about to follow. It also works with the command “Listen” (Line 1) and the noun “children” (Line 1) to establish the poem’s authoritative address. The mother continues her explanation using blunt language. She continues, stating “Your father is dead” (Line 2). Structurally, the poem begins expanding at this point, and the mother establishes the premise of her explanation.

At this point, the poem’s tone shifts from one of bluntness and reality to practicality. The mother focuses on providing for her children. The line structures remain short and emphatic. She states, “From his old coats / I’ll make you little jackets” (Lines 3-4). The mother’s focus on repurposing the father’s “old coats” (Line 3) is not only pragmatic, it is also one way for her to make sure her children have something by which to remember their father. The mother continues, stating “I’ll make you little trousers / From his old pants” (Lines 5-6). By emphasizing “jackets” (Line 3) and “pants” (Line 6), the mother is making sure her children are fully clothed.