How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #7
I wanted to grow up and plough,
To close one eye, stiffen my arm. (17-18)
In other words, the speaker wanted to be just like his dad. Not only does he want to have the same profession, but he wants to do it just like him: "To close one eye, stiffen my arm." He admires how well he plows, and wants the same future for himself. It's just kind of a bummer that he inherited none of his skills. Harsh.
Quote #8
All I ever did was follow
In his broad shadow around the farm. (19-20)
"Follow" is the magic word in this poem. The son wants to literally and figuratively follow in his father's footsteps. The "broad shadow" gives the same feeling as "full sail": his dad seems larger than life. It's hard for the little guy to keep up, but he gets an A for effort (or is that an E?).