'close to my lips as lipstick' - memory is vivid, remembering details like someone's name
'an old film played at a slow speed' - Old films are not always appreciated by younger generations, but they are still considered the best ("Never as good as the original"), same could be said for first relationship. Old films also have an impact on newer films; persona's first love has an influence on their future relationships e.g. like a director being inspired by a film to make their own.
'a star, long dead' - Stars can burn out, but because of the distance, the light takes longer to reach us. Stars we see from Earth could be burnt out, but we won't know for a long time. 'First love' could have moved on, but persona is still clinging to the hope their relationship gave them; almost going back to it for inspiration.
'unseen flowers suddenly pierce and sweeten the air' - The lover could have brought the persona flowers in the past; persona could be remembering this gesture.
'pierce' - sudden, sharp, clear memory, unexpected
'sweeten' - makes persona feel happier remembering her 'first love'
'child's love' and 'on the last evening' perhaps suggest that persona or 'first love' moved away, maybe falling in love on holiday; knowing time was limited

	Created by Summer Pearce over 7 years ago

A-Level (Year 1) (Year 1) English Language and Literature (Mean Time by Carol Ann Duffy) Note on First Love, created by Summer Pearce on 06/06/2017.