To My Mother

This poem appears to be a heartfelt tribute to the poet's mother, employing the natural imagery of an Indian tree to symbolize the enduring bond between child and parent. The Indian tree represents the poet, reaching out in all directions yet always remaining anchored by its roots - a metaphor for the mother's nurturing influence and the grounding effect of familial love.

The tone of the poem is tender and affectionate, imbued with a sense of gratitude and deep-seated love. The poet uses a simple, straightforward structure, with a consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme that enhance the poem's sense of sincerity and emotional honesty. The repetition of the word 'bends' emphasizes the poet's inclination to return to his roots, regardless of fame or flattery.

Noteworthy is the use of personification in attributing to the tree human emotions and responses. The tree 'loves' to bend its arms toward the earth, and its 'life' is filled and warmed, implying a reciprocal relationship between the tree and the earth, mirroring the reciprocal relationship between the poet and his mother.

Lastly, the use of parentheses in '(if fame it be)' subtly hints at the poet's ambivalence towards fame, suggesting that it perhaps lacks the substance and fulfillment found in the love of a mother. This underscores the theme of the poem, which is the irreplaceable and incomparable value of maternal love in one's life.