Summary
The story The Little Girl revolves around Kezia, a young girl who is afraid of her strict father. She feels uncomfortable around him, often trembling and mumbling when near him. Kezia perceives her father as rude and harsh and avoids him whenever possible. Her grandmother encourages her to understand her parents better and spend time with them, but Kezia finds it difficult due to her father’s stern nature.
To surprise her father on his birthday, Kezia sews a pin cushion as a gift. Looking for stuffing, she unknowingly tears up her father’s important speech. When her father discovers this, he gets very angry and punishes her by hitting her palms with a ruler. This incident leaves Kezia feeling hurt and confused about why fathers are so harsh. She compares her father to Mr. Macdonald, a kind and playful father she observes, and wishes her father were the same.
However, Kezia’s opinion of her father changes when her mother falls ill, and her grandmother is away. Left alone with only the cook and her father, Kezia feels scared at night due to a nightmare. Her father comforts her, takes her to his room, and helps her sleep by letting her snuggle close for warmth. Kezia realizes her father’s love and care, understanding that his strictness was due to his hard work and tiredness. She learns that her father loves her in his own way, even if he doesn’t express it openly.
Conclusion
The story highlights the importance of understanding and love in family relationships. It teaches us that beneath a strict exterior, there can be deep care and affection, which can strengthen the bond between parents and children.
Summary
The poem Rain on the Roof by Coates Kinney captures the poet’s feelings and memories evoked by the soothing sound of raindrops falling on the roof.
In the first stanza, the poet describes a dark, rainy night. The sky is covered with thick clouds, hiding the stars and filling the atmosphere with gloom. The rain mirrors the poet’s emotions, resembling tears falling softly. Despite this, the poet finds solace and happiness while lying on his bed, resting his head on a pillow, and listening to the comforting sound of raindrops on the roof.
In the second stanza, the sound of rain triggers dreamy imaginations in the poet’s mind. Each raindrop acts as a musical note, evoking memories from his past. These memories, like threads, weave a patchwork of dreams, bringing back vivid images of the poet’s earlier days.
In the final stanza, the poet recalls his beloved mother, who has passed away. He remembers how she used to lovingly call him “darling” and let him sleep until sunrise. Her nightly gaze, full of affection, lingers in his memory. The rhythmic sound of rain reconnects him with his cherished moments with his mother, bringing her presence alive in his thoughts.
Conclusion
The poem reflects the connection between nature and emotions. It beautifully portrays how the sound of rain can evoke nostalgia, bringing back precious memories of love, warmth, and childhood.