Down the M4

This poem is about how returning home, changes people and how afraid he seems to hear news about relatives and friends that have died or "go into the hole" Every visit his mother tells him stories about people who they have known who have suffered or gone, he feels his mothers "beautiful face" is now in "ninth grade" implying that she suffering and becoming worn out- yet it also puts a strain on him seeing her like this as he can feel his "hair turning grey."

In this poem the M4 may represent his journey of life, "bridges that leap over" may symbolise people or obstacles in his life that fade into the distance. Also the line of "Ystalyfera is farther than smoke, and god further" I feel this shows the distance between places he feels fond with are too far, he may feel lonely and once everyone has gone what will become of him.

He starts the last few lines by whistling an "old Yiddish tune his mother knows" he feels closer by remembering her showing again music and tunes can hold memories but "it wont keep" the idea that youthfulness and memories wont stay the same, as traditions, places and people all change.

This poem may link to Larkin's, 'Love Songs in Age' as it shares the idea of youthfulness. In 'Love Songs in Age' the idea that over time feelings and love can change link with Abse's mothers old tune that he whistles.