Understanding the Poem's Structure and Voice
This poem reads like a private conversation between daughter and mother, written in first person with a chatty, informal tone. You'll notice the regular structure of five-line stanzas that mirror the organised yet emotional thoughts of the speaker.
The poem jumps through time brilliantly. The speaker is "ten years away" from the moment she's describing, looking back at her mother's youth through old photographs or stories. This time shift creates a sense of longing and regret that runs throughout the entire piece.
Callout: The title "Before You Were Mine" is repeated throughout - this repetition emphasises the speaker's apologetic tone and shows how much her mother's sacrifice means to her.
Pay attention to how Duffy uses direct address ("Your polka-dot dress", "You reckon it's worth it") - it makes the poem feel like an intimate chat rather than just observing from a distance.
