Poem Analysis - When The Children Come Home

Henry Lawson’s "When The Children Come Home" is a poignant depiction of a mother's unwavering hope and tireless devotion in the face of isolation and the potential indifference of her grown children. The poem's tone is initially one of stoic determination, but it gradually reveals a deep-seated loneliness and vulnerability. The poem explores the themes of maternal love, sacrifice, and the disillusionment of aging. It evokes a powerful image of a woman clinging to the past while yearning for a future that may never materialize, ultimately leaving the reader with a sense of bittersweet resignation.

A Woman Against the Land

The poem vividly portrays the old woman's relentless struggle against the harsh Australian landscape. She is depicted as a figure of immense physical strength and resilience, single-handedly managing the farm after her husband's death. The lines "She mends all the fences, she grubs, and she ploughs, / She drives the old horse and she milks all the cows" highlight her unwavering commitment to maintaining the family property. This physical labor symbolizes her deep-seated need to preserve a connection to her past and to create a welcoming space for her children's eventual return. The image of her "toiling ‘neath the sky’s glassy dome" emphasizes her isolation and the vastness of the land that surrounds her, further underscoring her solitary existence.

The Enduring Power of Maternal Love

The central theme of the poem is undoubtedly the boundless nature of maternal love. The refrain "Sure I’ll keep the ould place till the childer come home" acts as a constant reminder of the driving force behind her tireless efforts. This repeated phrase transcends mere practicality; it becomes an expression of her unwavering faith in the eventual return of her children and her profound need to nurture and provide for them. Even though "some have grown rich in the city ere now," she continues to hold onto the hope that they will one day return to the "ould place," highlighting the enduring strength of her maternal bond.

False Bravado and Hidden Fears

The poem reveals a subtle undercurrent of vulnerability beneath the old woman's outward display of strength. Her defiant responses to the "scowling old sundowners" are tinged with fear, as evidenced by the line "though she trembles with fear." This fear contrasts sharply with her bold pronouncements, revealing a chasm between her perceived strength and her actual emotional state. The imaginary presence of her son Andy "workin’ beyant" serves as a psychological shield, a way of projecting an image of protection and security to both the outside world and herself. This recurring image emphasizes her isolation and highlights her reliance on the imagined return of her children to alleviate her loneliness.

A Lingering Question of Fulfillment

The poem concludes with a sense of ambiguity regarding the fulfillment of the old woman's hopes. While she clings to the belief that her children will return, there is no concrete evidence to support this expectation. The line "And I’ll keep the ould place if it’s only for one" suggests a gradual scaling back of her expectations, a quiet acceptance of the possibility that not all of her children will come back. The poem leaves the reader pondering whether her devotion will be rewarded or if she will ultimately face a quiet and lonely existence, sustained only by the enduring memory of her children and the unwavering power of maternal love. The poem acts as a testament to the sacrifices mothers make and a haunting reminder of the potential for emotional isolation in later life.