# Soldier explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

A mother grapples with the anguish of sending her son to war, ultimately choosing to suppress her tears and encourage him to face the conflict with bravery and pride.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motherhood and Sacrifice

The mother's internal conflict between protecting her son and allowing him to fight for a cause she deems kingly.

### Suffering and Resilience

The mother suppresses her weeping and chooses to smile, demonstrating resilience in the face of profound sorrow.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The mother who speaks, torn between maternal love and the duty to let her son fight.

### Life

Implied as the force that demands sacrifice and continuation despite the pain.

### Hope

Embodied in the mother's wish for her son's cause to be kingly and for him to be strong.

## Key lines

> Though I should weep until the judgment, How would it serve⁠—

Even if I cried endlessly until the end of time, it would accomplish nothing.

_The mother acknowledges the futility of her grief in the face of war's demands._

> My son, sometimes it seems I’d rather hold You safe beneath my heart Than send you forth!

My son, there are moments when I wish I could keep you protected within me rather than let you go to war.

_Expresses the deep maternal instinct to shield her child from harm._

> I’ll close my eyes and smile, O Son of Mine, Your cause is kingly!

I will shut my eyes and force a smile, my son, believing that your mission is noble and righteous.

_The mother steels herself to support her son, masking her fear with pride._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/soldier
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters