Here's a breakdown of the key elements contributing to this theme:
* Loss of Innocence: The speaker reminisces about a time when his son was young and innocent, describing him as "a kite" and "a small, dear, fragile thing." This evokes a sense of nostalgia and the realization that childhood is fleeting.
* Acceptance of Change: As the son grows older, the speaker acknowledges his inevitable independence. He uses the metaphor of a kite breaking free from its string to represent this separation.
* Ambivalence of Emotion: The speaker experiences a mix of pride and sadness as he watches his son grow up. While he is happy for his son's independence, he also feels a sense of loss at the diminishing bond between them.
* The Cycle of Life: The poem suggests that the process of separation and growth is a natural part of life. The father accepts his son's journey and recognizes the inevitability of his own mortality.
Overall, "Walking Away" is a moving meditation on the bittersweet nature of the parent-child relationship and the complex emotions associated with letting go. It emphasizes the importance of allowing children to grow and find their own path, even as it acknowledges the inevitable pain of separation.