Themes:
1. Memory and Nostalgia: The speaker reflects on their childhood memories and experiences in Cardiff, remembering people, places, and events from the past with a sense of nostalgia and longing.
2. Sense of Place: Abse captures the specific atmosphere, sights, sounds, and smells of Cardiff, creating a strong sense of place that evokes a vivid image of the city.
3. Passage of Time and Change: The speaker notes how Cardiff has changed over the years, contrasting the past with the present and emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and the impact of progress on the city.
4. Identity and Belonging: Revisiting Cardiff prompts the speaker to contemplate their own identity and sense of belonging, reflecting on their connection to the city and the people they encountered during their upbringing.
5. Urban Landscapes and Social Issues: Abse touches upon the social and economic challenges faced by the city, addressing themes of class, poverty, and the difficulties faced by certain communities.
The poem is a poignant and personal meditation on the complexities of returning to a place from the past, intertwining personal memories, observations of the present, and reflections on the cyclical nature of life.