# The Mother’s Blessing explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

## What happens

A weary and lonely mother finds solace and joy in the birth of her first-born child, whom she sees as a divine blessing that lifts her sorrows and fills her life with hope, peace, and gratitude.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motherhood and Family

The mother's deep love and gratitude for her child as a divine gift that transforms her life.

### Hope and Redemption

The child brings hope, joy, and peace, lifting the mother from weariness and despair.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker, a mother expressing her weariness and gratitude for her child.

### Christ

Implied as the 'blest evangel' sent through 'gates of light and life'.

## Key lines

> Oh, my soul had grown so weary With its many cares opprest, All my heart’s high aspirations Languish’d in a prayer for rest.

My soul was exhausted and burdened by worries, and my deepest hopes faded into a longing for peace.

_The mother describes her emotional exhaustion before her child's birth._

> God in mercy looked upon me, Saw my fainting, pain and strife, Sent to me a blest evangel, Through the gates of light and life.

God mercifully saw my suffering and sent me a blessed messenger, a child, bringing light and life.

_The child is portrayed as a divine gift sent to relieve the mother's pain._

> When the tiny hands, so feeble, Brought me smiles and joyful tears, Lifted from my life the shadows, That had gathered there for years.

The baby's tiny hands brought me happiness and tears of joy, dispelling the darkness that had accumulated over many years.

_The child's presence transforms the mother's sorrow into joy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-mother-s-blessing
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters