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Poem
May 8, 1960
The Key West Citizen
Key West, Monroe County, Florida
What is this article about?
A lyrical poem in which a child reflects on their mother's gentle care, lullabies, watchful tenderness during illness and falls, teachings of prayer and wisdom, and vows lifelong affection and support in her old age.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
My Mother
Who fed me from her gentle breast
And hushed me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
My Mother.
When sleep forsook my open eye,
Who was it sung sweet lullaby
And rocked me that I should not cry?
My Mother.
Who sat and watched my infant head
When sleeping in my cradle bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed?
My Mother.
When pain and sickness made me cry,
Who gazed upon my heavy eye
And wept for fear that I should die?
My Mother.
Who ran to help me when I fell
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the part to make it well?
My Mother.
Who taught my infant lips to pray,
To love God's holy word and day,
And walk in wisdom's pleasant way?
My Mother.
And can I ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee
Who wast so very kind to me—
My Mother.
Oh, no, the thought I cannot bear;
And if God please my life to spare
I hope I shall reward thy care,
My Mother.
When thou art feeble, old and gray,
My healthy arm shall be thy stay,
And I will soothe thy pains away,
My Mother.
And when I see thee hang thy head,
'Twill be my turn to watch thy bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed—
My Mother.
Who fed me from her gentle breast
And hushed me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
My Mother.
When sleep forsook my open eye,
Who was it sung sweet lullaby
And rocked me that I should not cry?
My Mother.
Who sat and watched my infant head
When sleeping in my cradle bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed?
My Mother.
When pain and sickness made me cry,
Who gazed upon my heavy eye
And wept for fear that I should die?
My Mother.
Who ran to help me when I fell
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the part to make it well?
My Mother.
Who taught my infant lips to pray,
To love God's holy word and day,
And walk in wisdom's pleasant way?
My Mother.
And can I ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee
Who wast so very kind to me—
My Mother.
Oh, no, the thought I cannot bear;
And if God please my life to spare
I hope I shall reward thy care,
My Mother.
When thou art feeble, old and gray,
My healthy arm shall be thy stay,
And I will soothe thy pains away,
My Mother.
And when I see thee hang thy head,
'Twill be my turn to watch thy bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed—
My Mother.
What sub-type of article is it?
Ode
Song
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Religious Faith
Friendship
What keywords are associated?
Mother
Affection
Childhood
Gratitude
Prayer
Nurturing
Poem Details
Title
My Mother
Subject
Tribute To Mother
Form / Style
Rhymed Stanzas With Refrain
Key Lines
Who Fed Me From Her Gentle Breast
And Hushed Me In Her Arms To Rest,
And On My Cheek Sweet Kisses Prest?
My Mother.
And Can I Ever Cease To Be
Affectionate And Kind To Thee
Who Wast So Very Kind To Me—
My Mother.