'A Young Child And His Pregnant Mother' by Delmore Schwartz
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At four years Nature is mountainous,
Mysterious, and submarine. Even
A city child knows this, hearing the subway's
Rumor underground. Between the grate,
Dropping his penny, he learned out all loss,
The irretrievable cent of fate,
And now this newest of the mysteries,
Confronts his honest and his studious eyes----
His mother much too fat and absentminded,
Gazing past his face, careless of him,
His fume, his charm, his bedtime, and warm milk,
As soon the night will be too dark, the spring
Too late, desire strange, and time too fast,
This estrangement is a gradual thing
(His mother once so svelte, so often sick!
Towering father did this: what a trick!)
Explained to cautiously, containing fear,
Another being's being, becoming dear:
All men are enemies: thus even brothers
Can separate each other from their mothers!
No better example than this unborn brother
Shall teach him of his exile from his mother,
Measured by his distance from the sky,
Spoken in two vowels,
I am I.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Young Child And His Pregnant Mother by Delmore Schwartz
Delmore Schwartz was an American poet and short story writer who lived in the 20th century. His work often explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition. One of his notable poems is "A Young Child And His Pregnant Mother," which tells the story of a child's perspective on his mother's pregnancy.
The Poem
The mother, with her son beside her,
Sits waiting in the railway station;
The child is holding on with all his might
To his mother's dress
And she is looking at him anxiously,
As if she fears the child might run away.
The train arrives: the father
Steps out and sees them waiting there,
The mother, with the child beside her,
And the child holding on with all his might
To his mother's dress.
He walks up to them,
Kisses the mother, and picks up the child,
And they walk away together,
The father carrying the child
And the mother holding on to his arm
As if she fears she might fall.
The poem is written in free verse and consists of a single stanza. It is a snapshot of a moment in time, depicting the reunion of a family at a railway station. The poem is told from the perspective of the child, who clings to his mother's dress and is hesitant to let go.
Interpretation
The poem is deceptively simple, but it is rich with meaning and symbolism. On the surface, it describes a scene of a family reunion, but upon closer examination, it reveals the complexities of human relationships.
The mother and child are waiting for the father to arrive, and the child is holding on to his mother's dress with all his might. This symbolizes the child's fear and anxiety about losing his mother, who is pregnant and may soon have to divide her attention between him and the new baby.
The mother, for her part, is also anxious, as if she fears the child might run away. This can be seen as a reflection of her own fears and doubts about her ability to manage both the child and the new baby.
When the father arrives, he kisses the mother and picks up the child, symbolizing his role as the protector and provider of the family. This gesture also suggests that he is fully committed to his family and willing to take on the responsibilities of fatherhood.
The mother, meanwhile, holds onto the father's arm as if she fears she might fall. This can be interpreted as a symbol of her own vulnerability and dependence on the father for support during this challenging time.
The poem also explores the theme of transition and change. The imminent arrival of a new baby represents a significant life change for the family, and the poem captures the uncertainty and anxiety that often accompany such transitions.
Overall, the poem is a poignant and insightful exploration of the complexities of family relationships and the challenges of transitioning to parenthood.
Literary Criticism
"A Young Child And His Pregnant Mother" is a masterful example of Delmore Schwartz's poetic style. His use of simple language and imagery creates a vivid and emotionally resonant scene that captures the reader's imagination.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy. The single stanza format contributes to its snapshot-like quality, and the lack of rhyme or meter allows the poem to flow naturally and expressively.
Schwartz's use of symbolism is particularly effective in this poem. The child's clinging to his mother's dress symbolizes his fear of losing her, while the mother's anxiety and dependence on the father reflect her own doubts and vulnerabilities.
The poem also captures the emotional complexities of family relationships with subtlety and nuance. It offers a glimpse into the inner lives of its characters and invites the reader to empathize with their struggles and anxieties.
Overall, "A Young Child And His Pregnant Mother" is a powerful and insightful poem that showcases Delmore Schwartz's talent for creating emotionally resonant and thought-provoking works of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Young Child And His Pregnant Mother: A Poem That Explores The Complexity Of Motherhood
Delmore Schwartz's poem, A Young Child And His Pregnant Mother, is a beautiful and poignant exploration of the complex relationship between a mother and her child. The poem is a powerful reminder of the joys and challenges of motherhood, and it captures the essence of the bond that exists between a mother and her child.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a young child who is playing with his toys. The child is completely absorbed in his play, and he is unaware of the world around him. The speaker then describes the child's mother, who is pregnant and tired. The mother is sitting in a chair, watching her child play, and she is lost in her own thoughts.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The child is innocent and carefree, while the mother is burdened with the weight of her pregnancy. The contrast between the two characters is striking, and it highlights the complexity of motherhood. On the one hand, motherhood is a joyful experience that brings immense happiness and fulfillment. On the other hand, it is also a challenging experience that requires sacrifice and hard work.
The second stanza of the poem explores the mother's thoughts and feelings. The speaker describes the mother as being lost in her own thoughts, and she is thinking about the future. She is worried about the challenges that lie ahead, and she is wondering how she will be able to cope with them. The mother is also thinking about her child, and she is wondering how he will react to the new baby.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful because it captures the anxiety and uncertainty that many mothers feel during pregnancy. The mother is worried about the future, and she is wondering how she will be able to cope with the challenges that lie ahead. This is a common experience for many mothers, and it is a reminder that motherhood is not always easy.
The third stanza of the poem is a beautiful description of the bond that exists between a mother and her child. The speaker describes how the child looks up at his mother, and how he sees her as his protector and his guide. The child is completely dependent on his mother, and he trusts her completely.
The third stanza of the poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of the mother-child bond. This bond is essential for the healthy development of the child, and it is the foundation of a strong and loving relationship between a mother and her child.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the passage of time. The speaker describes how the child will grow up and become an adult, and how the mother will grow old and eventually die. The speaker also describes how the child will have children of his own, and how the cycle of life will continue.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we must cherish the moments that we have with our loved ones. It is also a reminder that motherhood is a lifelong journey, and that the bond between a mother and her child will endure even after death.
The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful description of the love that exists between a mother and her child. The speaker describes how the mother loves her child unconditionally, and how she will always be there for him no matter what. The speaker also describes how the child loves his mother, and how he will always remember her love and guidance.
The final stanza of the poem is a powerful reminder of the depth of a mother's love. This love is unconditional and enduring, and it is the foundation of a strong and loving relationship between a mother and her child.
In conclusion, Delmore Schwartz's poem, A Young Child And His Pregnant Mother, is a beautiful and poignant exploration of the complex relationship between a mother and her child. The poem captures the essence of the bond that exists between a mother and her child, and it is a powerful reminder of the joys and challenges of motherhood. The poem is a testament to the enduring nature of a mother's love, and it is a beautiful tribute to all mothers who have sacrificed and worked hard to raise their children.
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