This poem takes the form of three stanzas of different lengths. It is written in free verse, which gives it a colloquial feel. This is fitting for a poem that is about language. Due to the lack of rhyme, the occasional moments of strong rhyme stand out, such as a "south" and "mouth", creating an immediate connection between the words.
In the first stanza, Kay introduces the idea of the persona losing her Scots words when she moves to England. The second focuses on the sounds of the English accent which she inadvertently picks up. This makes her want to reclaim her old words.
The final stanza acts as a conclusion to the poem where the persona returns to the Scottish phrases of her youth, seeking to give them new life.