The speaker reflects on the inevitability of their memories fading away, expressing a wish for their past struggles and sufferings to remain unknown to future generations. They describe a life filled with hardship, including hunger, shame, and harsh treatment, but believe that this burden is something they have managed to shield their descendants from. The idea of leaving behind a legacy of pain is met with resolution, as the speaker takes pride in granting a life free from those memories to their loved ones.
This perspective emphasizes the notion of sacrifice and resilience. By confronting their own difficult experiences, the speaker feels they have created a safer, more hopeful future for Dick and his children. They dismiss any notion of their life being perceived as harsh because they see this struggle as a necessary part of protecting the next generation. The act of allowing their trials to remain buried reflects a desire to provide a brighter path forward.