Break

The concept of childhood innocence refers to the state of naïveté or simplicity characteristic of youth. Children are often shielded from the harsh realities of the world by their parents, given time to play and foster their sense of self in relative safety. Laux speaks from the position of the responsible adult, exploring the theme of childhood innocence by comparing herself to her young daughter.

Laux writes at length about how “the child / circles her room, impatient / with her blossoming” (Lines 10-12), not yet aware that this is the simplest and sweetest part of life. Laux notes how her daughter is oblivious to her privilege, “tired / of the neat house, the made bed, / the good food” that her parents provide for her (Lines 12-14). This innocence stands in stark contrast to the speaker’s position as a mature adult, and yet, Laux is not perturbed by her daughter’s actions. On the contrary, Laux lets her daughter “brood,” giving her the space and time to be young, unencumbered by the responsibilities and anxieties of adulthood (Line 14). The theme of childhood innocence reveals Laux’s maternal instinct to preserve her daughter’s innocence as long as possible because she will start to put together the pieces of the real world soon enough.