# Reciprocity explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

A poem reflecting on a woman's lifelong faith, from a childhood conversation with her mother about God's care to her enduring love for her husband, maintaining a direct and reciprocal relationship with God throughout her life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Childhood and Innocence

The poem begins with a child's simple understanding of her relationship with God, which persists unchanged into adulthood.

### Love as Ultimate Strength

The woman's love for her husband and her reciprocal love for God are presented as enduring and life-sustaining forces.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator recounts the story of the woman's faith and love.

### God

God is the object of the woman's trust and reciprocal care.

## Key lines

> Yes, she said, God takes care o' me, An' I take care o' God.

The child expresses a mutual relationship with God, where she both receives care and offers her own devotion.

_This line captures the core theme of reciprocity in faith._

> The child and woman were the same, She changed not, only grew;

The woman's essential character and faith remained constant from childhood to adulthood.

_Highlights the continuity of her spiritual and emotional identity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/reciprocity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters