Poems About Motherhood by Maya Angelou
If there is a poet I admire above all others, it is Maya Angelou. She wrote several poems about motherhood, celebrating the strength, love, and resilience of mothers, which I just love. One of her most famous poems on motherhood is “Mother, A Cradle to Hold Me.” This poem beautifully expresses the deep connection between a mother and child, acknowledging a mother’s sacrifices, wisdom, and unwavering love.
Another one of Maya’s poems about motherhood, though not explicitly about a mother-child relationship, is “Phenomenal Woman.” While not explicitly about motherhood, this poem honors the power, grace, and beauty of women, which includes mothers. It celebrates resilience, confidence, and inner strength—qualities that many mothers embody.
Here are some others:
Our Grandmothers
This poem is a tribute to the struggles and endurance of Black women throughout history, including mothers and grandmothers who sacrificed and fought for their families. It acknowledges the hardships they endured while still providing love and wisdom for future generations.
The Mothering Blackness
The Mothering Blackness speaks to a mother’s protective, nurturing nature and how she provides strength, comfort, and belonging to her child. It also touches on themes of identity and heritage, showing how mothers shape their children’s sense of self. The Art of Mothering is so broad.
To a Freedom Fighter
This one is not explicitly about motherhood, but it a tribute to those who nurture and protect their children in times of struggle. It reflects the sacrifices that mothers (and mother figures) make for a better future.
Mother, A Cradle to Hold Me
As noted above this is probably Maya Angelou’s most famous poem about motherhood, “Mother, A Cradle to Hold Me” is a heartfelt tribute to the profound love, sacrifice, and guidance of a mother. The poem captures the deep emotional bond between a mother and child, reflecting on the nurturing presence of a mother throughout life’s journey.
Here it is in its entirety:
Mother, A Cradle to Hold Me
It is true
I was created in you.
It is also true
That you were created for me.
I owned your voice.
It was shaped and tuned to soothe me.
Your arms were molded
Into a cradle to hold me, to rock me.
The scent of your body was the air
Perfumed for me to breathe.Mother,
During those early, dearest days
I did not dream that you had
A large life which included me,
For I had a life
Which was only you.
Time passed steadily and drew us apart.
I was unwilling.
I feared if I let you go
You would leave me eternally.
You smiled at my fears, saying
I could not stay in your lap forever.
That one day you would have to stand
And where would I be?
You smiled again.
I did not.
Without warning you left me,
But you returned immediately.
You left again and returned,
I admit, quickly,
But relief did not rest with me easily.
You left again, but again returned.
You left again, but again returned.
Each time you reentered my world
You brought assurance.
Slowly I gained confidence.
You thought you know me,
But I did know you,
You thought you were watching me,
But I did hold you securely in my sight,
Recording every moment,
Memorizing your smiles, tracing your frowns.
In your absence
I rehearsed you,
The way you had of singing
On a breeze,
While a sob lay
At the root of your song.
The way you posed your head
So that the light could caress your face
When you put your fingers on my hand
And your hand on my arm,
I was blessed with a sense of health,
Of strength and very good fortune.
You were always
the heart of happiness to me,
Bringing nougats of glee,
Sweets of open laughter.
I loved you even during the years
When you knew nothing
And I knew everything, I loved you still.
Condescendingly of course,
From my high perch
Of teenage wisdom.
I spoke sharply of you, often
Because you were slow to understand.
I grew older and
Was stunned to find
How much knowledge you had gleaned.
And so quickly.
Mother, I have learned enough now
To know I have learned nearly nothing.
On this day
When mothers are being honored,
Let me thank you
That my selfishness, ignorance, and mockery
Did not bring you to
Discard me like a broken doll
Which had lost its favor.
I thank you that
You still find something in me
To cherish, to admire and to love.
I thank you, Mother.
I love you.
~Maya Angelou
You can see right away that this poem about motherhood of Maya Angelou’s is deep and has many themes. You can read it 100 times and feel something new.
The Theme of Unconditional Love and Devotion
The poem emphasizes the mother’s unwavering love and care. Angelou portrays the mother as a cradle—a symbol of comfort, security, and warmth.
The cradle represents not just infancy but a lifetime of support. It suggests that even as an adult, the child still finds comfort in their mother’s love and lessons, implying that a mother’s impact never fades.
This is the kind of mother I want to be.
The Shift in Perspective
As the poem progresses, it moves from the child’s perspective of receiving care to a more mature reflection. The speaker acknowledges that as a child, they may not have fully understood or appreciated the depth of a mother’s sacrifices. There’s an element of gratitude mixed with remorse for any taken-for-granted moments.
The Power of a Mother’s Influence
Angelou also underscores the mother’s role as a teacher and guide. The mother shapes the child’s understanding of love, kindness, and resilience, emphasizing that a mother’s wisdom lives on even as the child grows older.
Even the idea that the mother leaves and comes back is teaching the child that she has the power to be alone, to take care of herself.
The Poetic Structure and Tone
The poem is written in free verse, allowing for a natural, flowing rhythm that mimics a heartfelt conversation or letter to a mother. Angelou’s tone is warm, reverent, and deeply reflective, reinforcing the deep emotional connection between mother and child.
“Mother, A Cradle to Hold Me” is a powerful homage to motherhood, celebrating the selflessness and strength of mothers. Angelou masterfully conveys the idea that a mother’s love is both a gift and a guiding force—one that remains with a child throughout life.
There are many poems about motherhood by Maya Angelou, these are the ones that stand out.
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