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Question
Explain the following lines with reference to the context.
I want to be what I used to be.
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Solution
- Reference: This line is from the poem “Once upon a time” written by Gabriel Okara.
- Context: The poet says these words while contrasting the present hypocrisy with his past genuine relationships.
- Explanation: During childhood, the poet, like any child, laughed with human warmth. He used to express his love through his eyes. Now, he is changing his faces like dresses to suit the occasion and to ensure social acceptance. So, he wants to be what he used to be in childhood.
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