Before the Sea

Alcuin of York:

Would you walk me through that a bit?  To me the first 8 lines are meant to be symbolic of childhood and maternal seperation, and I'm a bit attatched to them (I know - bad habit).   What specifically do you think would make it stronger if I pared it down?   Maybe the "thoughtless collection" of treasures awaiting?  Ah, but how he thoughtlessly grows up running after those treasures, and leaves me watching, and filled with bittersweet.  I'm so attatched to it, but I genuinely want to hear more of what you have to say, because I need help stepping out of my own way.