The Child Who Was Helpless

By Bertolt Brecht

The child who was helpless And could not defend itself Is now grown up And is looking for a child to defend. The child who was helpless And could not fend for itself Is now a man And is searching for someone to protect. The child who was helpless And could not stand alone Is now strong And stands alone for others.
Written: 1944-01-01

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline


Share the Love of Poetry

Poem Details

Date Written: 1944-01-01
Date Published: 1944-01-01
Language: German
Keywords: Childhood, Growth, Protection, Strength, Responsibility
Source: Selected Poems
Publisher: Suhrkamp Verlag
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
A poem that reflects on the journey from helplessness to strength, emphasizing the growth of a child into an adult who seeks to protect others as they once needed protection.

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.