Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "A Lullaby" by Janet Lewis, the poet reflects on the profound and unconditional nature of a mother's love, specifically through the lens of Mary’s love for the infant Jesus. The poem, with its soothing, repetitive refrain of "Lullee, lullay," evokes the gentle, comforting tone of a lullaby while simultaneously contemplating the extraordinary and divine nature of the relationship between Mary and her child. Through this juxtaposition of tenderness and spiritual significance, Lewis explores the concept of love in its most pure and unconditional form, transcending the need for explanation or proof.

The lullaby begins with a question: "How did Mary know / That in her womb should sleep and grow / The Lord of everything?" This question sets the tone for the poem, pondering the mystery of Mary’s knowledge and her understanding of the child she carries. The speaker imagines that even if Mary were aware of her son's divine nature, it would not affect the depth or the nature of her love. The phrase “I could not love thee more / If thou wast Christ the King” underscores the idea that the love a mother has for her child is not contingent on the child's status or future greatness—it is absolute and unwavering. By invoking Christ the King, Lewis highlights the paradox of divine love, suggesting that a mother's love is akin to the love that Mary, as the mother of Christ, feels for her son, regardless of the child’s sacred nature.

In the second stanza, the lullaby shifts to recount the angel's visit to Mary, where the angel prophesies the child’s future role: “That which doth stir / Like summer in thy side / Shall save the world from sin.” Here, the poem acknowledges the divine message Mary receives, yet it also contrasts the otherworldly nature of this message with the deeply human experience of motherhood. The angel’s words, proclaiming that the child “shall save the world from sin,” position the child as a figure of immense significance, but this moment is framed within the ordinary context of Mary's pregnancy and the love she feels for her child. The phrase "Then stable, hall, and inn / Shall cherish Christmas-tide" places this divine prophecy within the context of the humble birth, emphasizing the simplicity and purity of the Christmas story. The poem suggests that despite the great importance of the birth, it is the same simple love that a mother has for her child that shapes the story.

The third stanza returns to the question of Mary's love for her child, asking, “And did she love Him more / Because an angel came / To prophesy His name?” The answer, of course, is no. “She could not love Him more, / But loved Him just the same.” This moment in the poem speaks to the central theme of unconditional love. The prophecy and the knowledge of her child’s divine purpose do not make Mary’s love greater; instead, they emphasize that her love for him is complete and whole, irrespective of the world-changing role he is destined to play. Lewis suggests that love is not dependent on knowledge, status, or extraordinary signs; it simply exists in its most pure form.

The repetition of "Lullee, lullay" throughout the poem contributes to the lullaby’s soothing and tender atmosphere, further reinforcing the notion that love, in its most authentic and heartfelt form, transcends any need for external validation. The refrain serves as a reminder of the simplicity and comfort inherent in a mother’s love, providing a sense of security and peace that is not contingent upon understanding the mysteries of the world.

In this brief but powerful poem, Janet Lewis uses the figure of Mary, the mother of Christ, as a symbol of the pure, selfless love that transcends understanding. Through the use of simple yet profound language, the poet connects the human experience of motherhood with the divine, suggesting that the love a mother feels for her child is timeless, unconditional, and unchanging. The poem’s meditation on love, coupled with its gentle rhythm and soothing refrain, invites the reader to reflect on the nature of love itself—both earthly and divine—and to recognize that love does not need to be explained or justified, but simply felt and given.

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