“My Parents” by Stephen Spender is a short but powerful poem that talks about childhood fear, loneliness, and social differences. The poet remembers a time from his childhood when his parents tried to protect him from rough street boys. They believed those boys were a bad influence, so they kept their son away from them. However, this protection also created distance and fear in the child’s mind.
The poem shows how a young boy feels when he is separated from other children and treated differently. Through simple but strong images, Stephen Spender shares the emotional struggle of a child who feels both afraid and lonely.
My Parents Poem
My parents held my small world close
Their careful love built quiet walls
They feared the roughness of the streets
I watched the wild boys from afar
Their laughter sharp like flying stones
Their torn clothes danced in dusty wind
They ran through roads without a care
Climbed high cliffs and shouted loud
Their freedom felt like thunder
I feared their strength and iron arms
Their sudden hands that caught my sleeve
Their loud voices behind my back
They mocked the way my soft words came
They copied my lisp in cruel play
Their laughter echoed on the road
From hedges they sprang like barking dogs
Mud flew across my quiet path
My smile hid the ache inside
Yet in my heart a softer wish lived
I wanted peace not silent war
I wished their eyes would learn to smile
In lonely thoughts I spoke their name
My Parents stood between two worlds
Love and fear walking together
I remember My Parents in that silence
Their care was warm but walls were high
My Parents tried to guard my heart
Still life kept whispering beyond
Rough roads teach their own truths
And lonely children learn slowly
So I walk back through memory
Holding the story gently now
A boy, some laughter, and distant pain
Read More: https://truehymns.com/the-housewife/
“My Parents” Summary
“My Parents” by Stephen Spender is a poem about a boy whose parents keep him away from rough street children. These boys wear torn clothes, run freely in the streets, and behave in a wild way. The speaker feels scared of them because they are strong and often tease him.
The boys mock his speech and throw mud at him, which makes him feel hurt and lonely. Even though they treat him badly, the speaker secretly wishes to forgive them. However, the boys never show kindness or friendship.
The poem highlights childhood fear, bullying, and social differences, while also showing the speaker’s quiet desire for understanding and forgiveness.
