Here's a breakdown of how the poem illustrates this theme:
* The speaker's childhood: The poem begins with the speaker recalling a specific memory from childhood. This suggests a sense of nostalgia and a longing for a simpler time.
* The "exit": The literal "exit" in the poem refers to the speaker leaving a theater. However, this act of leaving also symbolizes a broader transition, a movement from a protected, innocent world into a more complex and potentially dangerous one.
* The "adult" world: The poem describes the world outside the theater as "harsh" and "ugly." This contrast between the safe and the harsh highlights the stark reality of growing up and facing the challenges of the "real world."
* The "angel": The image of the angel, a symbolic figure of innocence and purity, is ultimately "lost" in the "real" world. This loss represents the speaker's growing awareness of the world's imperfections and the potential for pain and suffering.
Overall, "Exit" is a poignant reflection on the bittersweet nature of growing up. While the transition to adulthood is inevitable, it comes at the cost of lost innocence and the realization that life can be both beautiful and challenging.