# The Mistletoe explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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