15+ Significant Poems about Parenthood

(15 to start, 40+ to explore)

These tender and heartfelt poems explore the transformative journey of becoming a parent. They celebrate the joys, challenges, and unconditional love that comes with raising a child.

These verses may reflect on the sacrifices made, the bond forged, and the profound sense of responsibility accompanying parenthood. Poets use imagery of growth, nurturing, and family to paint portraits of parenthood, inviting readers to share the universal experiences of raising the next generation.

Poems about Parenthood Visual Representation

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"> 90/100

Ave Maria

by Frank O’Hara

In ‘Ave Maria,’ Frank O’Hara urges mothers to let their children enjoy the guilty pleasures of adolescence. Otherwise, he contends, their kids will become resentful, stunted adults.

This poem is a powerful and subversive sermon about the importance of permissive parenting. O'Hara shows how allowing children to experience independence is better for both them and their parents, who would later regret depriving their kids of joys like going to the movies.

Mothers of America

let your kids go to the movies!

get them out of the house so they won’t know what you’re up to

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"> 85/100

an afternoon nap

by Arthur Yap

‘an afternoon nap’ by Arthur Yap explores the lacunae in the modern education system and how it results in anxiety and stress in students.

In this poem, Yap explores the effects of tiger parenting through the story of a strict mother and her son.

the ambitious mother across the road

is at it again. proclaming her goodness

she beats the boy. shouting out his wrongs, with raps

she begins with his mediocre report-book grades.

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"> 80/100

First Fall

by Maggie Smith

‘First Fall’ by Smith captures a mother showing her child autumn’s beauty, weaving themes of change, life, and the desire for happiness.

Parenthood is at the heart of ‘First Fall,’ as the poem explores the deep bond between mother and child. The mother’s careful guidance and her desire to instill a love of the world in her child are central to the poem’s emotional depth. While the poem beautifully captures the protective and nurturing aspects of parenthood, it does so in a subtle, understated manner.

I’m your guide here. In the evening-dark

morning streets, I point and name.

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"> 79/100

Sweet 18

by Sheenagh Pugh

In Sheenagh Pugh’s ‘Sweet 18’, an older woman expresses her desire to regain youth as she battles the temptation to take it from others.

The underlying theme of this poem is parenthood. Although it is intended to have varying interpretations, Pugh noted that the poem was written as a commentary on motherhood. The poem features a mother whose guilt over her son's devotion to her leaves her feeling like a parasitic organism. She juxtaposes the 'lameness' of her age with the inherent strength of her son, finding herself unwilling to rely upon him in her advanced age. The poem explores the reluctance of the speaker to reverse the caring roles of parent and child, unable to accept his help without guilt despite having nurtured him herself.

You move before me with all the unknown ease

of your age; your face clear of the awareness

that clouds mine. Your only scars; where you tried

to shave, before there was any need.

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Fathers and Daughters

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"> 78/100

The Little Girl Found

by William Blake

‘The Little Girl Found’ by William Blake unfolds a mystical odyssey, guiding parents through despair to find solace in enchantment.

'The Little Girl Found' delves into parenthood through the portrayal of a desperate seven-day journey by Lyca's parents. Their unwavering love, resilience, and transformative encounter with a celestial guide highlight the complexities of parental emotions. The narrative explores the depth of familial bonds, depicting the lengths parents go to reunite with their child and find solace in the face of despair.

All the night in woe

Lyca's parents go

Over valleys deep,

While the deserts weep.

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My Mother Would Be a Falconress

by Robert Duncan

‘My Mother Would Be a Falconress’ by Robert Duncan explores a son and mother’s relationship through the lens of a falcon breaking free from his handler.

'My Mother Would Be a Falconress' comes from the perspective of a now-adult child who is looking back at his past after his mother's death. The son recalls how controlling his mother seemed to him and how he resented her many commands and rules. However, re now sees how much he hurt his mother in turning against her.

My mother would be a falconress,

And I, her gay falcon treading her wrist,

would fly to bring back

from the blue of the sky to her, bleeding, a prize,

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"> 73/100

Lullaby

by John Fuller

‘Lullaby’ by John Fuller is a sweet and beautiful cradle song. This poem features a baby’s innocent image by contrasting it with the external ambiance.

The poem portrays parenthood through the soft, comforting words a parent offers their child at bedtime, showing deep love and commitment. The parent’s desire to protect, nurture, and guide the child is clear, creating a warm, safe space for rest. This moment captures the selfless care that defines parenthood, as the parent’s presence provides unwavering support and reassurance to the child on their journey in life.

Sleep little baby, clean as a nut,
Your fingers uncurl and your eyes are shut.
Your life was ours, which is with you.
Go on your journey. We go too.

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Parents

by William Meredith

‘Parents’ by William Meredith is an interesting and relatable poem about childhood and parenthood. It is at times moving and comedic.

Parenthood is examined from the perspective of both parents and children. It shows the sacrifices and efforts parents make for their children. Parents are seen as loving but sometimes embarrassing figures. The poem also touches on the challenges and rewards of raising children. Parenthood is depicted as a lifelong journey with ups and downs.

What it must be like to be an angel

or a squirrel, we can imagine sooner.

The last time we go to bed good,

they are there, lying about darkness.

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For Heidi With Blue Hair

by Fleur Adcock

‘For Heidi With Blue Hair’ is a six-stanza poem that uses action and dialogue to paint a literary picture where little to no physical setting is provided.

'For Heidi With Blue Hair' explores parenthood through Heidi's father's supportive role. He advocates for her individuality despite societal pressures, reflecting parental guidance and understanding. The poem portrays parental influence on a child's development and identity, showcasing how parental support can empower children to express themselves authentically, even in the face of opposition from authoritative figures like school administrators.

When you dyed your hair blue

(or, at least ultramarine

for the clipped sides, with a crest

of jet-black spikes on top)

#10

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To a Daughter Leaving Home

by Linda Pastan

‘To a Daughter Leaving Home’ uses the metaphor of a child learning to ride a bike to beautifully capture a parent’s mixed emotions of pride and fear as they watch their daughter grow up and gain independence.

The perspective of the parent, filled with mixed emotions as they watch their daughter, centers on the subject of parenthood. It showcases the challenges and joys of raising a child, the protective instincts invoked, and the difficulty of letting go as the child becomes more independent.

When I taught you

at eight to ride

a bicycle, loping along

beside you

#11

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I kill an ant

by Shuson Kato

‘I kill an ant’ by Shuson Kato depicts someone killing an ant and realizing that their children were watching them.

The poem raises focuses on the role of parents and caregivers in shaping the values and attitudes of children. It suggests that our actions can have a significant impact on those around us, especially children who may be influenced by what they see and learn from us.

I kill an ant

and realize my three children

have been watching

#12

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The childless woman

by Hattori Ransetsu

‘The childless woman’ by Hattori Ransetsu is a beautifully emotional poem about a childless woman longing to have real children.

This poem indirectly explores the theme of parenthood through the woman's desire for children. The absence of parenthood becomes a significant aspect of her identity and emotional landscape. The poem prompts contemplation on the profound impact of parenthood.

The childless woman,

How tender she is

To the dolls!

#13

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Dockery and Son

by Philip Larkin

‘Dockery and Son’ by Philip Larkin explores themes of aging and the choices we make, reflecting on the profound effects of the roads untraveled.

Dockery's position as a father is something that inspires this entire poem. The speaker is amazed that Dockery has a child and how old that child is. This prompts the speaker to consider his own life choices.

‘Dockery was junior to you,

Wasn’t he?’ said the Dean. ‘His son’s here now.’

Death-suited, visitant, I nod. ‘And do

You keep in touch with—’ Or remember how

#14

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Mid-Term Break

by Seamus Heaney

‘Mid-Term Break’ by Seamus Heaney describes the emotional turmoil experienced by a speaker who has lost a loved one in a traumatic way.

One of the most powerful moments in the poem is when the narrator describes their father in tears, noting that he normally took funerals in his stride. This reminds us how grief breaks down the illusion children have about their parents and their ability to keep composed. The barrier between children and adults is shattered by the shared experience of loss.

I sat all morning in the college sick bay

Counting bells knelling classes to a close.

At two o'clock our neighbours drove me home.

#15

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My Son the Man

by Sharon Olds

‘My Son the Man’ explores the reality of parenting and engages with the inevitability of the passage of time.

This poem makes no mention of a co-parent, which only serves to highlight the stress placed upon the mother. While young children provide their own problems, it is an older child that seems to test the mother in the poem most, as she struggles to reconcile the fact her child is now a fully-fledged adult.

Suddenly his shoulders get a lot wider,

the way Houdini would expand his body

Home » Collection » Poems about Parenthood

15+ Significant Poems about Parenthood

(15 to start, 40+ to explore)

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Poetry+

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15+ Significant Poems about Parenthood

(15 to start, 40+ to explore)

by Frank O’Hara

by Arthur Yap

by Maggie Smith

by Sheenagh Pugh

by William Blake

by Robert Duncan

by John Fuller

by William Meredith

by Fleur Adcock

by Linda Pastan

by Shuson Kato

by Hattori Ransetsu

by Philip Larkin

by Seamus Heaney

by Sharon Olds

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