My Boy by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores the complex emotions of a mother reflecting on her child's innocence and the inevitable passage of time. The speaker observes her son, who embodies joy and trust, contrasting sharply with her own feelings of pain and sorrow. The imagery of "javelins of pain" signifies the mother's deep emotional turmoil as she contemplates the hardships that life may bring to her child. The mother encourages her son to sing and embrace life, symbolized by the "lark" that represents freedom and joy. She wishes for him to experience the beauty of life before the harsh realities set in, emphasizing the fleeting nature of childhood and happiness. The poem captures the tension between the desire to protect a child from suffering and the recognition that life will inevitably bring challenges. As the mother reflects on the "storm of years," she acknowledges the struggles that lie ahead, yet she also celebrates the present moment of innocence and joy. The call to "sing" serves as both a celebration of life and a poignant reminder of its transience. The poem ultimately conveys a deep sense of love, hope, and the bittersweet nature of motherhood, as the mother grapples with her protective instincts and the inevitability of her child's journey into the world.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 131 words
First lines
I hear you singing happily, My boy of tarnished mien, Lifting your limpid, trustful gaze In innocence serene.
A thousand javelins of pain Assault my heaving breast When I behold the storm of years That beat without your nest.
O sing, my lark, your matin song Of joyous rhapsody, Distil the sweetness of the hours In gladsome ecstasy.
For time awaits your buoyant flight Across the bar of years, Sing, sing your song, my bonny lark, Before it melts in tears!
What this Textopian page supports
My Boy is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Childhood, Reflection
- Length: 131 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as imagery and metaphor.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and feelings, focusing on the speaker's relationship with the subject.
- Romanticism — The themes of innocence, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Childhood — The poem reflects on the innocence and experiences of youth, particularly in relation to a child.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Free Verse · Mother-Son Relationship · Domestic Life · Family Dynamics · Social Commentary · Racial Tensions · Southern Culture · African American Experience · Childhood Memories