The poem titled “A Child Look at its Mother” is about a child who doesn’t

understand the concept of death.

In the first stanza, the child is confused as to why their mother has four candles by
her side. I believe that this means that the child’s mother is dead, and the candles
are there to symbolize the light that will guide them to heaven.
In the second stanza, the child smells flowers that are usually given to the dead to
represent respect, and love. He/she also sees a black butterfly, which is
commonly associated with death in the Philippines, China, and Central America.
In the third stanza, the child expresses their desire to see their father tonight.
In the fourth stanza, the child expresses concern as to why their mother is cold.
This is due to the fact that the mother is no longer alive. The child also exhibits
the feeling of confusion as to why the people are weeping. The grandmother told
the child a white lie, that their mother is only asleep.

Analysis of Literary Devices and Poetic Devices used:

 Rhyme Scheme, I believe the poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme.
 Imagery, the poem uses the word “smell”.
 Enjambment, all the stanzas has at least two lines that are connected.
