Mother to Son
Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps
’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now—
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
What the Poem Is About
This poem is a conversation between a mother and her son. The mother tells him that life has not always been easy, like a smooth staircase. Instead it has many rough spots—nails, splinters, broken boards, and places with no carpet. She explains how she kept climbing despite these difficulties and encourages the boy to keep going too.
Key Ideas in Each Part
Lines 1–7: The Hardness of Life
The mother starts by saying that life is not a crystal stair. She lists many obstacles—tacks, splinters, torn boards, and bare floors—to show how rough her path has been. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
Lines 8–14: Perseverance
The mother continues by describing how she kept climbing, reaching landings, turning corners, and even going into dark places where there was no light. She tells her son not to turn back because she has learned that staying on the path leads to progress.
Lines 15–20: Encouragement
The mother advises the boy not to sit down when steps feel hard or to fall. She reminds him that she is still moving forward and that life will never be a crystal stair. Her message is clear: keep going, no matter how difficult.
Why This Poem Matters
- Hope and Courage: The poem shows that even when life feels tough, perseverance can bring success.
- Real Life Example: It uses the mother’s own experience to give a concrete example of overcoming obstacles.
- Encouragement for Children: The words are simple and direct, making them easy for young readers to understand and apply.
Literary Tools Used in the Poem
- Metaphor: Life is compared to a staircase that is not smooth but full of bumps. This helps readers picture the challenges.
- Imagery: Words like “tacks,” “splinters,” and “bare floor” create vivid pictures in the mind.
- Repetition: The line “life for me ain’t been no crystal stair” appears twice, reinforcing the main idea.
- Free Verse: The poem has no strict rhyme or meter, giving it a natural conversational feel.
How to Use This Poem in Teaching
You can read the poem aloud and ask students what they think each part means. Then discuss how the mother’s advice applies to their own challenges—whether at school, with friends, or in family life. Encourage them to write a short paragraph about a time when they had to keep going despite difficulties.
Quotes for Motivation
Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.