A Mother
Speak not thus!
We brought them here, that He might lay his hands
On them, and bless them.
The Annotated Edition
A Mother by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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This short poem portrays a mother standing up for her right to bring her children to Jesus for his blessing, resisting those who would turn them away.
- Core theme
- Courage
Study actions
§01Quick summary
What this poem is about
This short poem portrays a mother standing up for her right to bring her children to Jesus for his blessing, resisting those who would turn them away. In just three lines, Longfellow conveys a powerful, quiet maternal love and an act of deep faith. It feels like a single spoken moment captured in time — a mother’s voice breaking through indifference.
§02Themes
Recurring themes
§03Line by line
Stanza by stanza, with notes
Speak not thus! / We brought them here, that He might lay his hands / On them, and bless them.
Editor's note
The entire poem flows as a single, powerful statement — a mother's firm and pointed rebuke to someone (perhaps a disciple or a bystander) attempting to send the children away. "Speak not thus!" is her immediate command, demonstrating that she refuses to be dismissed or belittled. The phrase "lay his hands on them" refers to a blessing grounded in biblical tradition, and her choice of "He" (capitalized) indicates she is referring to a divine or sacred figure. Overall, her speech conveys a sense of protection and certainty — there's no doubt in her tone.
§04Tone & mood
How this poem feels
The tone is steady and resolute. There's no pleading—this mother speaks with the quiet confidence of someone who understands her purpose and won't be swayed. Beneath the sharpness lies a sense of warmth: it's protectiveness wrapped in authority. The poem's brevity enhances that directness; every word holds significance.
§05Symbols & metaphors
Symbols & metaphors
- Laying on of hands
- A physical gesture of blessing rooted in biblical tradition. Here, it represents the divine grace and protection that the mother wishes to pass on to her children — her entire purpose for being here.
- The children
- They embody innocence and vulnerability. The mother’s struggle for them highlights what is most worth protecting.
- The mother's voice
- Her single spoken line represents maternal courage — a refusal to be silenced when a child's wellbeing is at stake.
§06Historical context
Historical context
Longfellow wrote this poem for his collection *Christus: A Mystery* (1872), which is a dramatic trilogy that delves into the history of Christianity. This fragment is part of the section depicting scenes from Christ's life, specifically referencing the Gospel episode (Matthew 19:13–15, Mark 10:13–16, Luke 18:15–17) where people bring children to Jesus, but the disciples try to turn them away. Jesus scolds the disciples and blesses the children, stating that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Longfellow focuses on the emotional heart of the scene: a mother’s determination not to be pushed aside. By 1872, Longfellow had faced deep personal sorrow, including the loss of his wife Fanny in 1861, and his work frequently revisited themes of faith, family, and finding comfort in the divine.
§07FAQ
Questions readers ask
What is this poem about?
A mother stands her ground, insisting on her right to bring her children to Jesus for a blessing. When someone tries to turn her away, she pushes back—unwavering and unapologetic.
What Bible story is this poem based on?
It references the Gospel accounts in Matthew 19:13–15, Mark 10:13–16, and Luke 18:15–17, where people bring children to Jesus, but the disciples attempt to stop them. Jesus counters the disciples' efforts and blesses the children.
Why is the poem so short?
Longfellow created it as a dramatic fragment in his larger piece Christus: A Mystery. It's designed to capture a fleeting moment — a single line of dialogue that reveals everything about the speaker's character and beliefs.
Who is the mother speaking to?
She is responding to a disciple or bystander who attempted to send her and her children away from Jesus. We don't get to hear the other person's words; instead, we only hear her reply, which amplifies the strength of her voice.
What does 'lay his hands on them' mean?
It describes the biblical act of blessing someone by laying hands on them. This gesture signifies consecration and divine favor—precisely what the mother seeks for her children.
What collection does this poem come from?
It originates from Christus: A Mystery (1872), a dramatic trilogy by Longfellow that follows the history of Christianity, starting with the birth of Christ and continuing through the medieval period to the Puritan era in America.
What themes does the poem explore?
At its heart, the poem explores faith and family, showcasing a mother’s love through a religious gesture. It also highlights courage, as she stands firm against dismissal, and emphasizes that children should have access to grace and blessing.
Citation
Cite this poem
MLA
Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth. "A Mother." Storgy, https://storgy.com/poems/a-mother-henry-wadsworth-longfellow/.
APA
Longfellow, H. W. (n.d.). A mother. Storgy. https://storgy.com/poems/a-mother-henry-wadsworth-longfellow/
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