My Mother

This charming and moving poem was composed by Ann Taylor (1782 to 1866). She was born In England. She belonged to an extensively literary family. She is best known and remembered as a poetess, hymn writer and children's author. She collaborated with her sister Jane Taylor, who wrote the famous poem Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Their work was usually for children and had moral lessons in it. Together they published ‘Original Poems for Infant Minds’ and ‘Hymns for Infant Minds’.

The poem expresses the natural devotion between a mother and her child. Ann Taylor pays rich tributes to her mother for her endless love. The poetess recalls her childhood in most striking and simple words. She recalls that her mother used to be at her side during infancy. She remembers that her mother used to dress her in nice and fancy clothes.  It was her mother who taught her how to play. Her mother always understood what she wanted to say even when she couldn’t speak. Ann remembers that her mother was always there when she had any trouble. Her mother picked her up from each of her falls and kissed her to make the pain go away.

Towards the end of the composition the poetess is mindful of her duty towards her mother. She pledges that she will not leave her mother alone when she has grown old and frail. The poetess vows that she will take care of her mother with the same love and care as her mother did when she was young and fragile.