The Gardener 7: O Mother
The Gardener 7: O Mother - meaning Summary
Love Enacted in a Moment
A young speaker addresses her mother as a prince will pass their door. She readies herself despite knowing he will not notice, imagining only the distant music of his flute. When he passes she makes a dramatic offering—tearing off a jewel and casting it into his path—even though she expects it to be ignored and crushed. The poem explores brief public gestures of longing, performative devotion, and the value of the act itself.
Read Complete AnalysesO mother, the young Prince is to pass by our door -- how can I attend to my work this morning? Show me how to braid up my hair; Tell me what garment to put on. Why do you look at me amazed, mother? I know well he will not glance up once at my window; I know he will pass out of my sight in the twinkling of an eye; Only the vanishing strain of the flute will come sobbing to me from afar. But the young Prince will pass by our door, and I will put on my best for the moment. O mother, the young Prince did pass by our door, and the morning sun flashed from his chariot. I swept aside the veil from my face, I tore the ruby chain from my neck and flung it in his path. Why do you look at me amazed, mother? I know well he did not pick up my chain; I know it was crushed under his wheels leaving a red stain upon the dust, and no one knows what my gift was nor to whom. But the young Prince did pass by our door, and I flung the jewel from my breast before his path.
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