This poem explores the complex relationship between a mother and her son as he prepares to leave home. The speaker reflects on the emotional and physical distance, using metaphors related to measuring and space to convey feelings of connection and independence. The poem employs techniques such as caesura and enjambment to illustrate the hesitation and emotional tension in the scene. For example, the phrase 'Mother any distance' is a recurring refrain, emphasising the theme of measurement and boundaries. The context of the poem is rooted in themes of family, growth, and the challenges of letting go, set against a backdrop of modern familial relationships. The imagery suggests a balancing act between closeness and independence, illustrating the transitional phase in a young person's life.