Lucozade
The poem describes a daughter visiting her mother in hospital. She is convinced her mother is going to die. Her mother criticises the gifts she has been brought- including the ‘Lucozade’ of the title.
Kay portrays the mother’s personality with some humour. By incorporating lines of her speech she creates an impression of a strong, brave woman who stands up to adversity.
The poem ends with the moving scene of the young girl leaving the hospital ward, laden with unwanted traditional hospital gifts. By removing the gifts the burden of illness carried throughout the poem is lifted and so too is the sadness that permeates the first stanzas.
The final image of the poem is one of singing - a hopeful and upbeat ending that contrasts with the more sombre opening.