What do you think the poet means by the last line of the poem? (10) - Leaving Cert English - Question 2 - 2010

The last line of the poem, "My son would often feel sharp wounds again," can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. On a literal level, it suggests that the physical pain he experiences from the nettles will leave lasting impressions, much like the literal sharpness of the stinging nettles that the boy encountered. The repetition of sharp wounds implies that the harsh experiences, both physical and emotional, are unavoidable and might recur.

From a metaphorical perspective, this line can represent the lasting impact of emotional pain and adversity in life. The nettles symbolize struggles or hardships that one encounters during childhood, suggesting that such experiences are integral to growing up. The phrase indicates that even as time passes, these painful incidents remain etched in memory and can resurface, affecting one's emotional well-being. Thus, the poet emphasizes that the scars of painful experiences are not just transient but can echo throughout life.