My Baby, my Burden,
Tomorrow the morn
I shall go lighter
And you will be born.
I shall go lighter,
But heavier too
For seeing the burden
That falls upon you.
The burden of love,
The burden of pain,
I’ll see you bear both
Among men once again.
Tomorrow you’ll bear it
Your burden alone,
Tonight you’ve no burden
That is not my own
My Baby, my Burden,
Tomorrow the morn
I shall go lighter
And you will be born.
Analysis (ai): This poem explores the complex and contradictory emotions of motherhood through the metaphor of a “burden.” The speaker anticipates both the joy and responsibility that will come with the birth of her child. The “burden” represents the challenges and sorrows that the child will face in life, and the speaker’s own awareness of these weighs heavily on her.
The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style, with a regular rhyme scheme and meter. This creates a sense of calm and reflection, allowing the speaker’s emotions to be conveyed with clarity and precision. The poem’s brevity also contributes to its impact, as the speaker’s words are concise and powerful.
In comparison to Farjeon’s other works, this poem is less whimsical and more introspective. It reflects the changing perspective of the author, who became a mother later in life. The poem also captures the spirit of the time period, when women were increasingly entering the workforce and taking on new roles in society. \
BY ELEANOR FARJEON
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 11 MAY 2025
