Could someone please help me analyze this poem by Howard Nemerov?

Question

A Life

Innocence?

In a sense.

In no sense!

Was that it?

Was that it?

Was that it?

That was it.

Howard Nemerov

I want to understand how his style/syntax/diction relates to his tone and intent in this poem.

Answer 1

It's ironic- he's being both serious and playful at once. It's almost like a self-examination- like he's saying "Which do I really believe?"

Answer 2

D: Do your own homework!