Poem Analysis - Poems Of The Mothers

Introduction: A Mother's Transformation

Gabriela Mistral’s "Poems of the Mothers" is a short but deeply evocative poem exploring the transformative experience of pregnancy. The poem begins with a sense of profound alteration, a shift in identity brought about by the life growing within. It then moves into a celebration of the pregnant body and ends with a feeling of gentle connection. The overall tone is one of awe and wonder, tinged with a quiet reverence for the miracle of life.

The Altered Self: Identity and Otherness

The poem's opening lines immediately establish the theme of altered identity. "I was kissed, and I am othered: another," the speaker declares, marking the moment of conception as a turning point. This "othering" isn't necessarily negative; rather, it signifies a merging of identities, the speaker's own and that of the developing child. The repetition of "another" emphasizes the profound shift in self-perception. The speaker feels the child's "pulse" echoing her own, and the child's "breath" felt within her own breath, underscoring the intimate and undeniable connection that redefines her sense of self. This theme of identity is central to understanding the mother's experience as described by Mistral.

The Noble Body: Celebrating Pregnancy

A central theme of the poem is the celebration of the pregnant body. The line "My belly, now, is as noble as my heart…" is a powerful affirmation of the pregnant form. It elevates the physical vessel of pregnancy to a level of moral and spiritual significance. The speaker doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the physical changes; instead, she embraces them as symbols of creation and life-giving power. The word "noble" suggests inherent dignity and worth, positioning the pregnant body not as something to be hidden or ashamed of, but as a source of pride and wonder.

Imagery of Gentleness and Growth: Dew and Flowers

Mistral employs gentle and delicate imagery to convey the tender connection between mother and child. The "exhalation of flowers" paints a picture of delicate beauty emanating from within the speaker, symbolizing the growth and flourishing of new life. The image of the child resting "gently…as the dew on the grass!" is particularly striking. Dew is transient, delicate, and life-giving, mirroring the fragility and preciousness of the unborn child. This comparison also emphasizes the quiet, natural beauty of pregnancy, aligning it with the rhythms of the natural world. Is the poem implying that the new life is fragile, or that it's resting in a safe place?

Conclusion: A Poem of Quiet Reverence

"Poems of the Mothers" is a testament to the transformative power of pregnancy and the profound connection between mother and child. Through vivid imagery and a tone of quiet reverence, Mistral explores themes of altered identity, bodily celebration, and the gentle unfolding of new life. The poem's power lies in its simplicity and its ability to capture the complex emotions and experiences of motherhood in just a few carefully chosen words. It serves as a reminder of the miracle of life and the enduring bond between a mother and her child, leaving the reader with a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and power of creation.