The Mother's Kiss

Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    Love breathed a secret to her listening heart,
         And said "Be silent."    Though she guarded it,
    And dwelt as one within a world apart,
         Yet sun and star seemed by that secret lit.
    And where she passed, each whispering wind ablow,
         And every little blossom in the sod,
    Called joyously to her, "We know, we know,
         For are we not the intimates of God?"
    Life grew so radiant, and so opulent,
         That when her fragile body and her brain
    By mortal throes of agony were rent,
         She felt a curious rapture in her pain.
    Then, after anguish, came the supreme bliss - 
    They brought the little baby, for her kiss!
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem demonstrates a beautifully tender exploration of the themes of love, secrecy, motherhood, and spiritual connection. The initial mystery of the "secret" is slowly unveiled through the unfolding narrative, ultimately revealing a pregnancy journey. The tone is reverential and joyful, emphasizing the speaker's awe and delight in the miracle of creation.

The structure of the poem and the rhythmic pattern lend a musical quality to the reading experience, while the language used is richly evocative. The imagery of the "sun and star seemed by that secret lit" and "every little blossom in the sod" implying the protagonist's intimate relationship with nature and the divine is particularly compelling. This connection between the protagonist and nature, coupled with the element of secrecy, imbues the poem with an enchanting air of mysticism.

The poem culminates in the birth of a child, turning the initial pain into "supreme bliss," which masterfully encapsulates the transformative and redemptive power of motherhood. Throughout, the poet employs the literary device of personification, notably in how "whispering wind" and "little blossom" communicate with the woman, elevating the natural world to a sentient entity. Overall, the poem is a poignant portrayal of the profound spiritual journey that is pregnancy and childbirth, rendered with grace and mystery.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.