Somebody’s Mother — Key Points
The poem "Somebody's Mother" is written by the poet Mary Dow Brine.
An old and ragged woman stood alone waiting to cross a wet and slippery street in winter.
The busy crowd of passing people completely ignored the old woman's anxious glances and need for help.
The woman was timid and afraid of being knocked down by passing horse carriages on the street.
A group of cheerful schoolboys rushed down the street after school let out without noticing her.
The poet compares the lively schoolboys rushing past the woman to a flock of sheep.
One cheerful and kind-hearted boy stopped beside the elderly woman to offer his assistance.
The boy gently whispered to the old woman and offered to help her cross the road safely.
The old woman placed her aged hand on the boy's strong arm to cross the street safely.
The boy felt proud and content that his firm feet could guide her trembling steps without harm.
After crossing, the young boy returned to his group of friends with a happy and satisfied heart.
The boy told his companions that the elderly lady was somebody's mother despite being poor and slow.
He hoped a kind stranger would help his own mother if she became old while he was away.
The old woman bowed her head that night and prayed for the noble boy who helped her.
In her prayer, the woman asked God to bless the boy who was somebody's pride and joy.
The poem emphasizes the values of kindness, empathy, and helping elderly people in difficult situations.
The poem is composed in rhyming couplets and follows an AABB rhyme scheme.
The poet contrasts the trembling feet of the old woman with the firm feet of the young boy.
The idiom "lend a hand" used in the poem means offering help or assistance to someone in need.
The title reflects that every elderly person deserves respect and care because they are someone's beloved parent.