慈母手中线
Thread in a caring mother’s hand,
游子身上衣
A robe upon her traveling child.
临行密密缝
Before departure, stitch on careful stitch,
意恐迟迟归
Afraid the return will be delayed.
谁言寸草心
Who says the heart of a tiny blade of grass
报得三春晖
Can repay the sunshine of all spring?
What the poem means
A mother sews closely for a child about to travel, worried about a long absence. Small grass and spring sunlight express gratitude for care. Families can talk about whoever looks after the child.
Meet the poet
Meng Jiao was a Tang poet. Careful stitching before a journey becomes an expression of gratitude for loving care.
Meng Jiao · More poems →