# To a Sister explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The speaker addresses a sister, praising her fresh young voice and encouraging her to grow in joy, faithfulness, and love through all of life's changes, from childhood to angelic perfection.

## Themes in this chapter

### Childhood and Innocence

The poem celebrates the fresh, simple voice of a child and the purity of childhood's bower.

### Love as Ultimate Strength

The speaker's affectionate encouragement and call to worship, forgive, console, and rejoice reflect love as a guiding force.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who addresses the sister with encouragement and blessing.

## Key lines

> A fresh young voice that sings to me / So often many a simple thing, / Should surely not unanswered be / By all that I can sing.

Your youthful, cheerful voice often sings simple songs to me, and I must respond with my own singing.

_The speaker acknowledges the sister's voice and feels compelled to reply._

> So, strengthen in a peaceful home, / And daily deeper meanings bear; / And when life’s wildernesses come / Be brave and faithful there.

Grow strong in a tranquil home, carry deeper understanding each day, and when hardships arrive, remain courageous and loyal.

_Advice to the sister to develop resilience and faithfulness through life's trials._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/to-a-sister
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters