Question:
Paraphrase this poem?
To My Mother
Most near, most dear, most loved and most far,
Under the window where I often found her
Sitting as huge as Asia, seismic with laughter,
Gin and chicken helpless in her Irish hand,
Irresistible as Rabelais, but most tender for
The lame dogs and hurt birds that surround her -
She is a procession no one can follow after
But be like a little dog following a brass band.
She will not glance up at the bomber, or condescend
To drop her gin and scuttle to a cellar,
But lean on the mahogany table like a mountain
Whom only faith can move, and so I send
O all my faith and all my love to tell her
That she will move from mourning into morning
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
i prefer the second stanza focusing on mother's strength, tenacity and resolve. she is strong in matters of the heart.
the first stanza portrays her as domineering and patronizing. the imagery of Asia, Rabelais, seismic threaten and mother seems to be overbearing over others that follow rather reluctantly like dogs.
generally a nice short poem paying homage to mother.