Poetry · Chapter
The Mistletoe explained
A playful and affectionate poem about the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, framed as a conversation with children.
What happens
A playful and affectionate poem about the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, framed as a conversation with children. The speaker describes the 'kissy-bird' that hatches kisses, explains why the mistletoe is chosen over other plants, and offers a moral about the importance of true love in catching genuine kisses.
Themes in this chapter
Childhood and Innocence
The poem's playful tone and focus on children's curiosity and the innocent joy of kisses.
Love as Ultimate Strength
The concluding moral emphasizes that true, enduring love is the only net that catches genuine kisses.
Characters to notice
- Little Neddy
Addressed directly in the opening lines, invited to kiss under the mistletoe.
- Willie
Mentioned as 'Minnie' when a kiss lands on her.
- The Child-Mother
Referred to as 'Mamy' whose hood contains a kiss.
Key passages
“The one net that never misses Catching at least some true kisses, Is the heart that, loving truly, Always loves the old love newly”
The only sure way to receive genuine affection is to have a heart that remains faithful and continually renews its love.
The poem's moral: true love is the key to receiving authentic kisses.