My Young Son Asks Me

Author: Bertolt Brecht


My young son asks me:
Must I learn mathematics?
What is the use, I feel like saying.
That two pieces of bread are more than one
You will notice.

My young son asks me:
Must I learn French?
What is the use, I feel like saying.
This State is going to fall soon
And you will need to help make a better one.

My young son asks me:
Must I learn history?
What is the use, I feel like saying.
Learn to change the world
And you will find out all about history.

Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written: 1940-01-01

Date Published: 1943-01-01

Language: German

Keywords: Education, Society, Change, Youth, Responsibility

Source: Selected Poems

Publisher: Suhrkamp Verlag

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A poem that explores the questions of a young boy about the importance of education, offering a perspective that emphasizes the need for societal change and understanding the role of history in shaping the future.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.


Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.